Napier Park
Updated: Apr 8, 2021
Alonzo and James Carroll Napier were born Nashville, to a freedman and blacksmith. The school adjacent to the park is named for Alonzo, and the park is named for James Carrol. J. C. Napier attended Wilberforce College, Oberlin College, and Howard University. He worked as an attorney, and a banker, before getting enveloped in civil service.
He served on the Nashville City Council, was in charge of the Centennial exhibits on black achievements, and served as a US register of the Treasury under President Taft. He began to push hard for local playgrounds for the local black community.
This land was purchased by the Nashville Parks Board in 1913 for $1,500, and dedicated in J. C. Napier’s name. Today the park sits with 2.13 acres, and has a playground, a swimming pool, and a community center. The park has hosted a lot in its time, from day camps, to tennis competitions, to basketball competitions, to concerts and plays, and even scouts. There’s a beautiful mural here as well.
The neighborhood is a poorer one, and it’s concerning to see the bars on the windows of the homes surrounding the park. There’s also no where to really park. But, it’s worth it to see this gem of a park. It’s one of the oldest in the city, and has a charm to it.
Name: J. C. Napier Park
Address: 67 Fairfield Ave, 37210
History: 3 out of 5
Walkability: 1 out of 5
Kid Like-ability- 4 out of 5
Date Night-ability- 2 out of 5
Charm: 3 out of 5
