The playground project

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Friends of McCabe Park came together organically in 2023, as neighbors connected over a shared dream of seeing our local park flourish. We partnered with the Nashville Parks Foundation, and the playground became our first major undertaking.

The project began in 2024 with a full site evaluation conducted in partnership with Hawkins Partners. The existing playground was small, dated, and posed safety concerns, while McCabe itself had seen steadily increasing use across the community center, little league fields, golf course, and the Richland Creek Greenway. It was time for the playground to match the needs of the community.

From there, we got to work fundraising, designing, and gathering feedback. We surveyed the community, worked with three different playground vendors, and spent months refining every detail. Two years later, we are incredibly proud to have delivered a thoughtfully designed playground that belongs to everyone who uses and loves McCabe Park.

The new playground features:

• Double the footprint of the previous playground
• An updated structure for ages 5-12, larger and taller than before, with three slides, built-in shade canopies, and play opportunities all around
• A new structure designed for ages 2-5
• A shaded swing set with six bays, including an ADA swing and a double swing
• An in-ground merry-go-round and sensory playwall for accessible, inclusive play
• New rubber surfacing throughout, meeting ADA standards
• A cement walkway with ramps designed as a complete loop
• A communication board to help children connect non-verbally with caregivers
• A full fence with child-safety gate along the 46th Avenue entrance

This playground was made possible by our community. Hundreds of neighbors donated, fundraised, and cheered us on — and we couldn't be more grateful. Want to support what's next? We're raising funds for two additional park lights and ongoing beautification at McCabe Park. 

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