our history

Five men, including Vice Mayor John C. Lovell, Commissioner Bill Coke, former Congressman Bob Clement, and Mayor Charles Evers, cutting a ribbon at a bikeway opening with a crowd and trees in the background.

The City of Forest Hills was founded in 1956 on the south side of Nashville. Since its inception it has been distinguished by its expansive natural setting. However, over time the neighborhood has grown more dense and partitioned. Residents desiring more connectedness began planning a greenway in 1995. The city council arranged permanent easements across 7 properties along Otter Creek, and was supported by the federal ISTE Act of 1991. After 10 years, the John C Lovell Bikeway opened on 4 June 2005, named for the Vice Mayor who was instrumental in realizing the dream. Around the same time, 42 native trees were planted along the bikeway thanks to grants from the USDA Forest Service and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry.

Children wearing helmets riding bicycles on a street with adults watching.

The Bikeway has been popular for decades as a way for residents to exercise, enjoy nature, stay connected, and teach their children. Various residents and officials wished to expand it over the years, but unfortunately little progress was made.

The coronavirus pandemic in early 2020 brought an increased community desire to expand the Bikeway. Forest Hills residents Melissa Hood, Greer Broemel, and Jacob Radford formed the Forest Hills Pathway project that same year as a non-profit organization with a mission “to connect Radnor and Warner Parks by a continuous pathway.” The Project has published a plan to advocate with local governments, build community, and develop the pathway for posterity. Contact us to help!

People, including children, gathered along a stone-lined riverbank, some sitting and others standing, with a few wearing helmets, observing and interacting with the water.