Nolensville Parks: Where Every Child Belongs

When I think about parks, I don’t just think about playgrounds or ballfields. I think about childhood.

I grew up playing competitive softball, and the ballpark was always my favorite place to be. There was something magical about the smell of freshly cut grass, the sound of cleats on the dirt, parents cheering from the stands, teammates laughing in the dugout, and staying until the lights went out. Some of my best memories, and many of the values I carry today, were shaped in our parks.

Now, life has given me a different perspective.

As a mom to a daughter with special needs, I see parks through a different lens. I don’t just hope for a place that’s beautiful, I hope for a place where every child can belong. I want my daughter to experience the same excitement, freedom, friendships, and memories that meant so much to me growing up. Every child deserves to hear laughter echo across a playground, feel included, and create memories that last a lifetime.

I’ve also watched another daughter grow up on softball fields, making friendships and learning resilience in the very same types of places that shaped me years ago. It’s been a full-circle experience, seeing one child thrive in youth sports while hoping another can simply enjoy a playground designed with her in mind.

Parks are more than green spaces. They’re where communities gather, childhood unfolds, families reconnect, and memories are made. They’ve been a constant throughout every stage of my life, and I’m grateful for the role they’ve played in my family’s story.

My hope is that every family, regardless of ability, can experience that same joy.

Katie Garrison