NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Nature Play is reopening at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center Saturday.

Rebecca Ratz, director of Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms, said the Nature Play area has been shut down for the past six months. Ratz added that she had gotten countless questions about when the area would be back open for use.

Ratz explained that the area was worn down and past due for a makeover. This renovation, funded in part through an East Nashville community fundraiser, also included an expansion that makes the area more suitable for children of all ages.

Ratz said that she was excited for the community to come together around nature with play in mind, explaining that Nature Play is a part of the park where kids can express curiosity and just be kids.

"Here in East Nashville, it is really the backyard for so many of our neighbors," Ratz said. "It's the place that our neighbors are coming daily with their kids. Whether they're playing baseball or walking along the trails or fishing in the lake or coming to nature play, it is a place to connect as a family."

There has been a soft launch for Nature Play, but the official ribbon-cutting ceremony is Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. until noon. That's when officials will turn on the water for water features at the play area.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/nature-play-reopening/