NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Reclaim Brookmeade Park wants accountability for the maintenance work of their park, and they're demanding a change. The organization's leaders have said that without help from Metro Parks, the upkeep has gotten to be more than they should bear.

Brookmeade Park reopened earlier this year after Metro worked to close a homeless encampment there and the park was given back to residents. Leaders with the organization said volunteers worked hard to make sure those who had been living in the encampment got resources for housing.

Reclaim Brookmeade Park founder Becky Lowe said the park is still in really bad shape, but it's been up to them to keep it clean.

Lowe said that Metro Parks told Reclaim Brookmeade Park that they have no obligation to the 14 acres of Brookmeade Park — other than the 6 feet on either side of the Greenway. Lowe claimed that the upkeep for the park has been immensely draining, and volunteers have continuously stepped up continuosly to return the park to its former state. 

After Metro Parks sent out countless surveys to the community, Lowe said she feels feels misled. Neighbors are still picking up trash, cleaning up glass and there are old clothes still in the park.

“It just feels very prejudicial at this point," Lowe said. "They just flat-out don’t want to deal with this community and this park, and it’s just gotten to the point where it’s unacceptable and we’re not gonna stand for it.”

Lowe said that by asking for the community's input, they thought receiving amenities like a playground, picnic tables or a community garden might be within reach. Instead, she feels deceived. 

"Why did they spend tax payers money to do surveys and gauge people desires when they never had any intention of giving that out?" Lowe said. "We’re shocked we’ve been mistreated like this. All we want to do is enjoy the park but instead we’re treated like a nuisance.”

Metro Parks said they do clean the park on a regular basis in a statement to News 2:

"Our consolidated maintenance team regularly services Brookmeade Park and Greenway alongside the other parks, greenways, and facilities within the parks system. Trash is picked up on a weekly basis, in the fall employees mow the overgrowth under the tree canopy, and the large open space area in the park is mowed every 14 days. All parks and greenways within the parks system are unique and we partner with volunteer groups who assist with cleanup efforts in various parks." 

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/leaders-with-reclaim-brookmeade-park-push-for-accountability-about-parks-upkeep/