Nashville, TN, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The Cumberland River Compact has initiated a depaving project in North Nashville to address urban heat disparities. This initiative follows a successful project in 2021 that transformed an abandoned parking lot into green space. By removing impervious asphalt surfaces and increasing tree canopies, the project aims to reduce temperatures in urban neighborhoods, which can experience heat disparities of 6 to 8 degrees compared to suburban areas. Residents are encouraged to suggest lots for depaving to enhance livability and combat urban heat.
Nashville, TN – The Cumberland River Compact has launched a depaving project in North Nashville to combat heat disparities in urban neighborhoods compared to suburban areas. This initiative responds to alarming temperature differences in city centers, where areas like Nashville, Madison, North Nashville, and South Nashville often experience significantly higher surface temperatures during heatwaves.
Urban forestry team member Jason Sprouls noted that the temperature difference in various parts of Davidson County can reach between 6 to 8 degrees due to a shortage of trees in these densely populated zones. These findings highlight the crucial role that vegetation plays in addressing urban heat challenges.
The project, which seeks to repurpose impervious surfaces into green spaces, follows a successful transformation of an abandoned parking lot at Nolensville Pike and Moore Avenue in 2021. In that initiative, volunteers managed to remove 18,000 square feet of asphalt, paving the way for a more greenery-infused environment.
Impervious surfaces, like asphalt, contribute to heat re-radiation. When sunlight strikes these materials, they absorb heat and subsequently release it back into the atmosphere, exacerbating local temperatures. Data from a 2022 temperature mapping study illustrated neighborhoods that reached particularly high surface temperatures, indicating areas in critical need of urban intervention.
Moving forward, the Cumberland River Compact plans to identify unused surface lots throughout Davidson County for depaving, mirroring the Nolensville Pike project. This initiative aims to not only reduce heat but also create more usable green spaces for residents, which can improve overall urban livability.
Research shows that trees can significantly impact temperatures, lowering surface asphalt temperatures by up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and reducing vehicle interior temperatures by as much as 50 degrees. Given these advantages, the Cumberland River Compact encourages residents to suggest lots for depaving that could benefit their neighborhoods.
Additionally, the Compact is supporting urban forestry efforts by offering free individual trees through the Root Nashville program. Their ambitious goal is to plant 500,000 trees across Davidson County by the year 2050, further enhancing tree cover and reducing urban heat in the long term.
Conclusion
The Cumberland River Compact’s depaving initiative represents an important step towards mitigating urban heat in Nashville. By promoting green spaces and increasing tree canopy coverage, the project aims to create healthier, more sustainable urban environments for residents.
FAQ
What is the Cumberland River Compact’s new project about?
The Cumberland River Compact has initiated a depaving project in North Nashville aimed at addressing heat disparities in urban neighborhoods compared to suburban areas.
What areas are experiencing higher surface temperatures during heatwaves?
Dense city centers, including Nashville, Madison, North Nashville, and South Nashville, are identified as areas experiencing higher surface temperatures during heatwaves.
What was the previous depaving project undertaken by the Cumberland River Compact?
An abandoned parking lot was transformed into a green space at Nolensville Pike and Moore Avenue in 2021, where 18,000 sq. ft. of asphalt was removed by volunteers.
How do trees impact surface temperatures?
Trees can lower surface asphalt temperatures by 30 degrees Fahrenheit and vehicle interior temperatures by up to 50 degrees.
How can residents participate in the depaving initiative?
Residents can suggest lots for depaving through the Cumberland River Compact.
What is Root Nashville?
The Compact offers free individual trees through Root Nashville, aiming to plant 500,000 trees in Davidson County by 2050.
Key Features of the Depaving Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Cumberland River Compact Depaving Project |
| Location | North Nashville |
| Goal | Combat urban heat disparities |
| Previous Success | 18,000 sq. ft. of asphalt removed at Nolensville Pike |
| Temperature Reduction | Trees can lower surface asphalt temperatures by up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Community Involvement | Residents can suggest depaving lots |
| Tree Planting Goal | 500,000 trees by 2050 through Root Nashville |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nashville Tackles Urban Heat Island Effect with Green Initiatives
Additional Resources
- WKRN News: Depaving Project in North Nashville
- Wikipedia: Urbanscape
- Tennessean: Transforming Concrete to Green Space
- Google Search: Urban Heat Island Effect
- NewsChannel5: Green Space in Nashville
- Google Scholar: Urban Forestry
- WKRN Video: Creating New Greenspace in North Nashville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Green Spaces
Author: HERE Nashville
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