Nashville Chamber Discusses Pocket Park Grant, Main Street Foundation

Members of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce met Thursday to discuss several projects aimed at improving downtown Nashville, including a proposed pocket park, a Main Street beautification effort, and the possibility of forming a new 501(c)(3) organization.

Chamber Executive Director Dena Tollette opened the meeting by discussing the formation of a group focused on beautifying Main Street in downtown Nashville. Tollette said the group could potentially qualify for grant funding, with the proposed pocket park serving as the first project if everything moves forward as planned.

Tollette also discussed the Legacy Park project and a potential individual donor recognition program. She said the recognition option could provide another avenue for raising money for the pocket park if the grant application is not approved.

Jonathan Lance provided an update on the pocket park grant, saying the overall project is estimated at approximately $50,000. Because the property is owned by the City of Nashville, Lance said the city’s name would appear on the grant paperwork.

Lance added that while the project falls within the grant’s designated perimeter, it may not qualify as a priority project. The grant application has been submitted through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, with the chamber expecting to know the outcome by November.

The chamber also received an update from Denise Woodruff on the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) organization.

The Nashville Chamber currently operates as a 501(c)(6), but Woodruff explained that establishing a 501(c)(3) would provide the organization with opportunities to apply for additional grants.

Woodruff said she consulted with Nashville City Attorney Aaron Brasil about the process. In order to get the new organization started, the chamber would need to establish a board and agree on its mission and values.

The proposed organization would be known as the Nashville Main Street Foundation.

Tollette said she hopes the chamber can discuss the board and have an official list of members ready by the next meeting.

The projects are part of the chamber’s continued efforts to improve downtown Nashville, with the proposed pocket park and Main Street beautification serving as key priorities moving forward.