Friends of Shelby works to keep Shelby Park and bottoms welcoming, accessible, and full of life — today and for generations to come.
Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms is a nonprofit partner of the Metro Parks Department. Our vision is a vibrant urban park and nature preserve that supports healthy lifestyles and celebrates our diverse Nashville community.
Shelby Park and Bottoms encompass nearly 1300 acres of bluffs, rolling hills, and floodplain bordering the Cumberland River in East Nashville. Now the third-largest park in Nashville, Shelby was originally opened as a private amusement park designed to attract residents to the growing Nashville suburbs. On July 4th, 1912 the park was dedicated to the city and opened to the public. Shelby Park and Bottoms now boasts a community center, the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, nearly 10 miles of paved trails, more than 7 miles of unpaved hiking trails, several sports fields and golf courses, and more!
