Cockrill Springs is 'new' feature of Centennial Park

Originally Published 3/6/2015

A plan to “daylight” the historic Cockrill Spring at Centennial Park will provide a dramatic new natural feature at the park’s West End Avenue entrance while also producing water quality improvements on the campus.
The unearthed spring, which produces thousands of gallons of fresh water every day, will spill into a stone-lined, meandering channel that will attract park goers and also serve as an irrigation source for Centennial Park and a fresh water supply for Lake Watauga, which is located on the east side of The Parthenon. 
In addition to the aesthetic impact of a flowing natural spring, pools and cascades, the project is an environmental win for the city because it puts previously wasted water to use in multiple beneficial ways, including: 

• Diversion of spring water for campus use will reduce impact on the city’s sewer system. 
  Using spring water for irrigation eliminates the need for Metro Parks to tap into the drinking water supply to water plants and park lawns. 

• The constant sourcing of fresh water will deliver consistently higher water quality for Lake Wataug.

• About 80 years ago, Cockrill Spring was diverted into the city’s combined sewer system and covered. The spring’s source was rediscovered in July 2012. 

“This first step to daylight Cockrill Spring lays the course for Centennial Park to remain the crown jewel of our city’s park system for the next century and beyond,” said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. 
The Cockrill Spring “daylight” project will be complete by summer 2015.