Updates on Rachel’s Walk maintenance and decorations

Update 6/11/25: In additional to the code cited below, Councilman Eslick looked further into why the fairy garden is not permitted and was able to attribute Section 13.24.040:

1. The Board of Parks and Recreation is authorized to accept or refuse gifts, donations, bequest or grants from any source, for any purpose related to the powers and duties of the Board.

2. The provisions of subsection A of this section shall not apply to any gift, donation or bequest of land, such gift, donation or bequest being specifically governed by Section 11.1002(5)(c) of the Metropolitan Charter.

3000.43 Guidelines for Acquisition and Installation of Public Art in Metro Parks(policy approved June 3, 2008)

1. The following criteria are intended to guide the Board of Parks and Recreation in connection with any proposal for acquisition of or request for placement of public art in connection with any particular construction project on any new or existing site in any Metro Park:

   1. Installations shall be compatible with the individual park’s design, and shall not restrict park operations in any way.

   2. The installations shall not obstruct pathways, open areas or other park features.

   3. Installations generally shall not alter designed landscapes or spaces, fountains, previously dedicated or memorialized spaces, or alter the original design intent of the park. Generally, the original design of the individual park should be respected.

   4. Public art installations generally shall not necessitate the removal of existing features, landscaping, or trees.

   5. Public art installations shall not limit the availability or flexibility of spaces for park activities or events.

   6. The size, number, and location of installations to shall not impact park functions and operations, and shall minimize the potential for visual clutter, increased maintenance needs, and/or park alterations.

   7. The Public Art shall not impact public accessibility, health or safety.

   8. The Public Art shall be related in terms of scale, material, form, and content to immediate and adjacent buildings and landscaping so that it complements the site and surrounding environment.

   9. The proposed installation shall not conflict with local, state, federal ordinances and/or regulations

2. Other considerations for the approval of Public Art shall include, but are not limited to the following:

   1. The compatibility of the Public Art with the unified design character or historical character of the site.

   2. Approval of adequate funding for ongoing maintenance.

   3. Compatibility with annual and/or scheduled events and activities.

   4. The impact on future development of park spaces, including requests for future public art proposals or other park appropriate amenities.

   5. Displacement of public amenities.

Many have seen the Facebook post where city employees have once again taken down the neighborhood’s park decorations at Rachel’s Walk. We have learned that although beloved, they are in direct conflict with city codes, meaning they will be taken down again in the future.

We are working with Councilman Jeff Eslick on securing a Metro Parks representative to attend our next community meeting on Tuesday, June 10th at 7pm to discuss potential solutions. This meeting will take place at the Old Hickory Library.

In the meantime, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to neighbor Allison Jones for her fantastic work maintaining Rachel’s Walk for the last three years. Her volunteer work has immensely improved the overall aesthetic of the park, and her communication with Metro Parks resulted in a new sign, dog waste station, trees, gnome village, natural pest treatment, and so much more. As she leaves the Village, her hard work and dedicated to Rachel’s Walk will long be remembered.