Reflections of History and Innovation in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a 19-acre park in the heart of downtown Nashville. As I explored the park, I was impressed by the balance it strikes between the natural world and human-made innovations. The park's central focus is a 200-foot granite map of Tennessee with its 95 counties and major bodies of water carved into its surface. Alongside the map, there are 31 fountains that represent Tennessee's major waterways. The park is designed to reflect the state's history and innovations. The Walkway of Counties commemorates each of Tennessee's counties with a unique marker, while the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains work simultaneously as a musical instrument, producing a beautiful sound accompanying the water that flows from them with the push of a button. The Place of Remembrance pays tribute to Tennesseans who have lost their lives fighting for freedom, highlighting Tennessee's unique contributions to America’s military history. I was amazed by the amphitheater that efficiently promotes natural sound amplification with its hollow structure and construction materials.