RESOLUTION NO. RS2011-1630

A resolution recognizing and honoring the families of Colonel Luke Lea, Percy Warner and Edwin Warner for their vision and leadership through the expansion of park property in the Nashville Metropolitan Davidson County.

WHEREAS, spanning a total of 2,800 acres, Percy Warner Park and Edwin Warner Park, collectively known as “The Warner Parks”, are two of Nashville’s most significant and popular recreational, natural, and historical properties offering activities such as hiking, nature trails, scenic overlooks, golf courses, and equestrian facilities; and

WHEREAS, as Chair of the Nashville Board of Park Commissioners, Percy Warner directed the first professional efforts to devise a comprehensive park plan for the City, which envisioned a series of large natural parks ringing the central urban area; and

WHEREAS, the Warner parks were established in 1927, with the initial donation of 868 acres of land by Colonel and Mrs. Luke Lea; and

WHEREAS, after Percy Warner’s death in 1927, Colonel Lea requested that the land be named in honor of his father-in-law, Percy Warner; and

WHEREAS, in 1927 Edwin Warner succeeded his older brother Percy on the Park Board, and later served as its Chair from 1937-1945; and while serving on the Park Board, personally directed development of most of The Warner Parks acreage; and

WHEREAS, Edwin Warner in 1930 donated the funds to purchase and initiate development of park property southwest of Old Hickory Boulevard, which was later named Edwin Warner Park in his honor; and

WHEREAS, after the parks were established, other members of the Warner family made significant donations of land and money for the parks, including Mrs. Edwin Warner, Mrs. Percy Warner, and Mrs. William (Milbrey Warner) Waller; and

WHEREAS, the parks were named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, and The Warner Parks Historic Landmark District was designated in 1999; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes the families of Colonel Luke Lea, Percy Warner and Edwin Warner for the contributions they have made in affording opportunities for families to reconnect with nature.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing and honoring the families of Colonel Luke Lea, Percy Warner and Edwin Warner for their vision and leadership through the expansion of park property in the Nashville area.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Mary Louise Lea Tidwell, Laura Lea Knox and Edwin Warner Bass on behalf of their extended families.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Eric Crafton, Emily Evans, Charlie Tygard, Carter Todd

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	May 3, 2011
Adopted:	May 3, 2011
Approved:	May 4, 2011
By: