Committee hears plans for Nashville Downtown Arboretum; dedication set for May 20

On April 1, 2025, the Arts, Parks, Libraries & Entertainment Committee heard a presentation about the planned Nashville Downtown Arboretum, a public tree collection organizers said will be certified at level 2 by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council and include more than 60 distinct tree species.

The arboretum, organizers said, will be located inside the downtown interstate loop and south of Jefferson Street, with specimens placed in the public right of way so they are accessible 24 hours a day. "We will be a level 2. Which means that we will have over 60 species, distinct species of trees, showcased within the arboretum," said Lisa Haller, a member of the downtown Arboretum project team.

Why it matters: Committee members were told the project is intended to expand downtown’s urban canopy, create an outdoor classroom for schools and visitors, and add a family-friendly attraction in the Central Business Improvement District and the Gulch. Partners said labels and QR codes will link to online resources so visitors can learn species information and cultural needs for each tree.

Details and partners: Jack Malone of the Nashville Downtown Partnership said each listed species will be labeled on at least three trees and that "that'll be over a 80 trees downtown that'll have a label on it. 50, 50 signs will also be on light poles downtown with fun facts and a QR code that will take people to the website." Malone identified the partnership as a funding and implementation partner. JD Lane of NDOT said part of the funding and the tree-label work is coming from NDOT and related beautification funding; he said Metro Water Services and the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council are also partners.

Public comment: Dave Pomeroy, identified himself as a 47-year Nashville resident and president of the Musicians Union, spoke during public comment and urged continued city support for the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, saying, "I just wanted to say how valuable the Musicians Hall of Fame is to Nashville, not just here, but around the world." Representatives of the Musicians Hall and other stakeholders were present for the meeting.

Timing and operations: Organizers said the Nashville Downtown Partnership's downtown ambassadors will install the labels the week of April 14–18 and will monitor their condition thereafter; the majority of labeled trees will be inside the Central Business Improvement District and the Gulch Business Improvement District. A dedication ceremony was announced for May 20 at Riverfront Park; organizers said the mayor will attend.

What’s next: Committee members asked for guidance for council members who want to develop similar arboreta in other districts. Project presenters pointed committee members to the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council’s arboretum program and its step-by-step guidance.

For context: Presenters described the project as roughly two years in development and said the partnership with the Nashville Downtown Partnership and municipal agencies was a key factor in making the program feasible.