Community Health Evaluation: Lock One Park
By Eric Hoke, Design Director
5 min read This was created using a beta version of the Civic Design Center’s Equity Tool Kit that uses the Guiding Principles for Civic Design to evaluate the amenities of a neighborhood or specific site and help identify community deficits and strenghts.
Map showing focus areas for the Civic Design Center
Lock One Park, located in the heart of the Haynes/Bordeaux area of Nashville, is a vital community space with the potential to improve public health and well-being. The Civic Design Center's evaluation of Lock One Park using its Guiding Principles for Civic Design highlights both strengths and areas of concern that impact the park's role in promoting health equity in the focus area. This blog outlines these findings and provides insight into where to target improvements that can transform Lock One Park into a healthier, more accessible space for all residents.
These photos are public domain so they can be used with attribution
Lock One on the Cumberland River was part of Nashville's early lock system, constructed to improve navigation. Built with hand-cut stone and concrete, Lock One played a key role in supporting river trade. Over time, like the other locks, it became obsolete with modern infrastructure advancements. The Nashville District’s Leadership Development Program documents its historical significance. For detailed insights, read Nashville District tames Cumberland River with the 'Old Locks'.
Strengths That Support Community Well-BeingWhile Lock One Park faces some challenges, several strengths contribute to the neighborhood's health equity.
Existing conditions in Lock One Park
Access to Parks: As a designated park, Lock One Park offers valuable green space where residents can gather, exercise, and relax. This provides key opportunities for mental and physical well-being. The main programs are an open lawn, old lock building foundations, a walking trail and staircase, and a landing for fishing. It is operated by Metro Parks but is managed by the Army Corp of Engineers.
Historic Preservation: The neighborhood’s rich history brings cultural significance to the area, reinforcing community identity and pride. The Haynes Heights has a historic overlay which helps preserve neighborhood form and some of the style.
Affordable Housing Availability: The presence of affordable housing in the surrounding area ensures residents from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can access the park.
Access to Community Garden: Brooklyn Heights Community Garden is within a mile of Lock One Park and works to address the lack of healthy food options available in the area.
Access to Higher Education: The proximity of the American Baptist College, a historically Black College, means that academics can have access to wonderful riverfront views.
Despite these strengths, there are several challenges that limit the park's ability to fully support the community’s health and well-being. These challenges can be grouped into high-priority, medium-priority, and neighborhood deficits based on how they scored on the Civic Design Center’s Beta Version of the Neighborhood Assessment Equity Tool Kit.
Medium-Priority Challenges:Flood Risk: The park’s location in a flood-prone area creates risks during heavy rainfall and storms.
Heat Island Effect: With limited tree canopy and excess pavement, the area experiences relatively elevated temperatures.
Access to Schools: Limited pedestrian infrastructure reduces safe routes for children traveling to nearby schools. Although, it is a 20 min walk to Haynes Middle School.
Census Tract Racial Diversity: Ensuring inclusive programming and culturally relevant design features can help serve the area’s diverse population.
Access to Jobs: Limited transit connections reduce access to available employment opportunities. Image from Urban Institute.
High-Priority Challenges:Tree Canopy: Limited tree coverage results in higher temperatures, impacting comfort and discouraging outdoor activity.
1530 Lock Road
Car-Dependent
Transportation: The park’s low walkability makes it difficult for residents to reach the park safely and conveniently on foot. Inadequate public transit options hinder equitable access for residents who rely on public transportation. With minimal bike infrastructure, cyclists have limited access to the park.
Socioeconomic Advantage Index: The area faces economic disadvantages that reduce access to health-promoting opportunities.
Housing Livability: While affordable housing is present, improving its quality and design can enhance overall well-being.
Park Neighborhood Deficits:Community Centers and Libraries: The absence of community centers limits access to social programs and educational resources. Limited library access restricts residents from accessing learning materials, digital resources, and community programming.
Food Desert: The area’s food desert status highlights a critical need for better access to healthy, affordable food options.
Public Art Projects: Without visible public art, the area lacks creative placemaking opportunities that could foster community pride and engagement.
Addressing these challenges by implementing thoughtful design interventions can greatly improve health equity in the Haynes/Bordeaux community. By strengthening connections along Trinity Lane and the Clarksville Pike Bridge to essential resources, improving access to healthy food, and enhancing cultural and artistic expression, Lock One Park can become a model space for community well-being. The Civic Design Center remains committed to advocating for these improvements and working with local stakeholders to ensure Lock One Park serves as a cornerstone for a healthier, more connected community.