Advocates hope to rename Cumberland Park

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Cumberland Park in downtown Nashville may soon be renamed as local activists are pushing for the change, hoping to honor the people who originally called the area home.

Cumberland Park was named the Cumberland River after the Duke of Cumberland but that is not what it was called by the Shawnee who lived in the region. It is located on South First Street between the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge.

The 6.5 acre park includes an outdoor amphitheater that seats 1,200 and once included a sprayground.

The Cumberland was first known as the Wasioto River, named by the Shawnee who lived in Middle Tennessee until they were driven out in the 18th century.

The idea to rename Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park was brought by the Indigenous People’s Coalition Nashville, the Global Education Center and the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Advocates for the renaming are holding a demonstration at the Cumberland Park amphitheater Tuesday at 11 a.m.

The Metro Parks board will meet and decide on the recommendation around noon.