Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation Receives $20,000 Grant from James M. Cox Foundation

Grant supports land acquisition and expansion for Beaman Park

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Earth Month, the James M. Cox Foundation announced a $20,000 grant to Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation (TennGreen).  The grant is for the acquisition of the 13-acre Blueberry Hill tract, which borders Beaman Park and is a critical inholding for the park.

"This generous grant from the James M. Cox Foundation has enabled TennGreen to purchase this ecologically significant property and maintain its wide array of wildlife habitat and native flora and fauna," said Kathleen Williams, president of TennGreen.

Blueberry Hill became available for purchase in 2013. At the time, the owner planned to subdivide the property and build private homes. The land contained significant natural spaces and conservation value. Recognizing the importance of this tract of land to the park and its ecological system, TennGreen approached the property owner to purchase the property with plans for ultimate transfer to Beaman Park. 

By becoming a part of Beaman Park, the land's wildlife habitat and corridor are being preserved, and development erosion is being avoided. Metro Parks and Recreation has committed an additional $25,000 to the purchase.  It is anticipated that the 13-acre tract of land will be transferred to Beaman Park in the coming months.

The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group operate. The grant was made possible through the support of Manheim Nashville, a Cox Automotive company. 

"As a Cox company, Manheim Nashville strongly believes in being a good corporate citizen in our community," said Manheim Nashville's General Manager Sam Chaple. "Beaman Park contains unique natural beauty that is enjoyed by our employees and customers. The park provides a connection with nature, where visitors can view and learn about plants and wildlife, as well as realize the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations."

About Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation:
Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation is a statewide land conservation organization whose mission is to protect Tennessee's natural treasures.  Our vision is to connect a network of parks, greenways and wildlife areas across Tennessee from the mighty Mississippi River to the Great Smokey Mountains and beyond.

About The James M. Cox Foundation:
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States.

The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including: conservation and environment; early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health.

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SOURCE The James M. Cox Foundation

For further information: Kathleen Williams, Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation, 615-329-4441, Kathleen@tenngreen.org