happyly approved

Fannie Mae Dees Park (Dragon Park) and Playground

2400 Blakemore Avenue, Nashville, TN, USA

Dawn-Dusk

$

playground

Iconic Neighborhood Park with Cool Climbing Sculptures

My kids refer to Fannie Mae Dees Park as the "Dragon Park," and, once you enter, it's easy to see why: There's a huge, colorful (and beautiful) sculpture of a dragon built by Pedro Silva and decorated by local artists and Nashville volunteers. It's also been recently renovated, so it's sparkly clean at the time of writing. While fun to climb on, and around, the dragon is just one of the many amenities at this special park, located right next to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and near Belcourt Avenue, which has some fun lunch and brunch spots as well as good shopping if you are looking to make a day of it in the neighborhood.

The playground areas – there are multiple – are expansive and some of the best in Nashville. The largest is an all-abilities playground, which includes wheelchair accessibility for both the playscape and swings.  It's also more accessible for adults to use, which my kids think is fun and helpful for my 3-year-old in mastering some of the more challenging aspects of the structures – like the swinging beam. The smaller playground area is designed for smaller children and includes several bouncers and a small climbing area with a slide and a sandpit – complete with a built-in shovel.

At the back of the park, there is a huge, rock fort-like climbing area with a wooden platform jutting out.  My kids love "being up high" and have fun in the built-in tunnel.  This section is great for older kids because some of the rocks are a bit tricky and steep for the littlest.

There's a good amount of shade and picnic areas, as well as some chess boards (though it seems to be BYO-chess pieces). You can reserve the picnic shelters by calling (615) 862-8408 (Mon.-Frid., 8 am-noon). Tennis courts and clean bathrooms with a changing table are also onsite.

 

Features

Good for All Ages Outdoor Seating Playground Shade
Thoughtfully captured by:
The happyly team

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