Statements
Mission
Striving to preserve an endangered archaeological site in Metro Nashville for residents of Tennessee.
Background
The Friends of Kellytown was formed in the fall of 2013 for the express purpose of purchasing the 6.7 acre Kellytown site at the corner of Hillsboro Pike and Old Hickory Blvd.. This is the last totally in tact prehistoric Mississippian village left in Davidson County. Saving it from commercial development and turning it into an educational park for all citizens to enjoy has been the top priority of the Friends of Kellytown.
Impact
On December 16, 2014, Mayor Karl Dean requested that the Metro Council pass legislation to purchase the 6.72 acre Kellytown site for $740,000. Mayor Dean said,'this is a historic piece of property. By preserving these six acres, we will honor the legacy of the Native American people. The site has become a part of Metro Parks. The Friends of Kellytown/Aaittafama' raised $411,000 which will be used to develop the site to commemorate the Mississippian village that existed here over 1,000 years ago as well as making it accessible to visitors.
Needs
The Friends of Kellytown has worked closely with Metro Parks and with the Metro Historical Commission to develop a comprehensive development plan for the 6.7 acres. The first order of business was to conduct an archaeological survey using the most up to date methods such as radar penetration to discover the exact locations of graves, house sites and palisade walls. This was accomplished in 2016. Using this information and employing site preservationists and experts in the field, a Master Plan has been developed to interpret the Mississippian culture to the general public. Walking trails will also be developed to eventually connect with Brentwood's excellent Greenways.. After the first phase is developed, the Friends group will seek outside funds to complete the rest of the park.
CEO Statement
There is no Executive Director. All matters are tended to by the Friends of Kellytown/Aaitafama'aaa volunteers.
Board Chair Statement
Statement from Ridley Wills III, Chairman of the Friends of Kellytown The Friends of Aaittafama' received a $500,000 grant from the State of Tennessee's Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) This Grant will be used to implement the first phase of the Master Plan developed by Hodgson and Douglas. It has been approved b Metro Parks. It has to be approved by Metro Codes. Construction will probably begin in the Spring of 2020
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - Public & Societal Benefit NEC |
| Secondary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - Public & Societal Benefit NEC |
| Tertiary Category: | Public & Societal Benefit - Public & Societal Benefit NEC |
Areas Served
It is our goal for the Kellytown/Aaitafama' Park to be accessible to all citizens of Davidson County. It is located at the southeast corner of Hillsboro Pike and Old Hickory Blvd in zip code 37215.
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Davidson |
