It's a park in Belle Meade; of course it's going to be pretty! Moreover, Parmer Park has an…read moreinteresting historic component as well as a vital reclamation property that makes this space all the more inviting. Despite this being a neighborhood park, I think it's one worth the travel if you're in to green spaces that serve a variety of purposes.
Driving to and from the park I was reminded how much I like Belle Meade. What's not to like? The homes are gorgeous, the roadways are scenic and the vibe is so peaceful. Additionally, it's surprisingly close to town. For some reason, when I think of Belle Meade I think of the drive out to Bellevue. No. Belle Meade abuts Nashville and is closer and easier to get to than you think. The beauty of the city expands to this park. Parmer Park is named for the gentleman who was granted a piece of the BM Plantation upon which to build a school. As a result, when you spend time in the park, you feel as though you're walking the grounds of something other than a park. The last remnant of the school is the standing facade that serves as a perfect photo frame. It's at once haunting and romantic. The entire park is that way. I kept thinking how gorgeous it must be in the fall.
The park is surrounded by a wooden fence, which adds to its charm. The parts that aren't enclosed by a fence have a line of mature trees the serve as a border. Indeed, for a neighborhood park, I was struck by the number of shade trees. Also of note, the many birds, including large birds of prey. Was I really seeing this in the middle of a (sub)urban area? Yes. Yes I was. Maybe it was due to all the rain we've had but I spent some time looking at and listening to the running creek in the park. Again, remember: middle of a city. All this stuff. Not to say that the park is all green and nature. There's a small parking lot, two small playgrounds (appropriate for little ones), a basketball court, a walking trail, many benches, a small pavilion (one table), and an overgrown baseball field.
I imagine that growing up in Belle Meade comes with a lot of perks. Parmer Park is one of them. Even if you live nowhere near, this neighborhood park is worth a visit. I bet it's stunning no matter the time of year or season.