NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Hundreds gathered Sunday for the grand opening of Nashville's Cumberland Park, a space that Nashville Mayor Karl Dean says will revolutionize the downtown riverfront.
The space was originally a concrete parking lot, but Sunday it came to life as kids and families filled the fountains, green space and live music venue.
One parent said, "We've been waiting for a family-centered outdoor area to go to."
It appeared parents and kids got their wish with this $11 million riverfront revitalization project.
"This is an investment in a park for kids 12 and under, the idea is for them to run around and get playing," said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.
And it didn't take long for that to happen.
Hundreds of kids splashed around in the park's new water fountains, climbed the rock wall, and piled down the slide.
It offers a place for kids to be truly active for free which is all part of Mayor Dean's push to lower the obesity rate in Tennessee.
It's an initiative Latrice Kenner, mother of two, is happy to see and embrace, "Them being active is the most important part because I don't want them to be obese because I am a person who has struggled with obesity. I recently lost 75 pounds just from working out at the Y," said Kenner.
Parents and politicians both gave the seal of approval to Cumberland Park, but Sunday, the toughest critics, children, chimed in saying what they think about this new Nashville addition.
"It's great, because I just love the park. It's great with the rock climbing, going into the water. I just love it," said four-year-old Gavin.
And how long could they stay here?
"All day or like a year I'd say; it' the best," said 10-year-old Noah.
Dean says it's only just the beginning of what this riverfront will deliver for kids, parents and visitors to Nashville.
"It's a beautiful space and all along the river downtown we are going to keep moving forward with it," said Dean.
This building next to the park is still in development, but one of the developers, Michael Baron said they have three letters of intent from potential clients. They hope it will soon house restaurants, bars, performance space and a rooftop terrace.
The next part of the Riverfront development will be a large 'great lawn' for visitors to lounge, picnic and listen to live music. They are also planning a space for kayakers to dock.
Access to the park is just off of Shelby Street in East Nashville. Security officers and cameras are in place for visitors' safety.
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