Metro Parks closes two Nashville gyms after structural concerns, shifting programs as engineers monitor safety

Closures follow earlier warning signs in aging gym structures

Metro Parks has closed gymnasiums at two Nashville recreation sites after structural concerns, a move that follows a broader review of similar roof and beam designs across the parks system. The decision comes in the wake of a May 2025 roof collapse at the West Park Community Center gym in West Nashville, where the gym had already been fenced off and out of use for months because of identified structural issues.

In the West Park case, the gym—built in the early 1960s—was constructed with glued-laminated timber (glulam) beams. Metro Parks officials previously said those beams had begun separating from the gym walls in the summer before the collapse. No injuries were reported, and the incident prompted additional inspections at other facilities with comparable construction.

Which facilities are affected

After the West Park collapse, Metro Parks identified two other facilities built with the same beam design: the Shelby Community Center gym at Shelby Park and the Easley Recreation Center gym at Rose Park. Both were inspected following the West Park incident and were initially deemed safe for use, with plans for continued monitoring.

The newest round of gym closures reflects ongoing concerns about structural integrity and the need to limit indoor athletic activity in spaces where building elements require further evaluation or remediation. Metro Parks has used temporary closures in past incidents to manage safety risks while engineers assess buildings and determine next steps.

Program impacts and where activities can move

Gym closures typically affect open-gym hours, youth basketball practices and games, community leagues, and indoor recreation programming that relies on court space. Metro Parks has previously relocated after-school and seasonal programs when facilities became unavailable, using other community centers, schools, and partner sites as temporary hosts.

• Indoor court sports schedules may shift to other regional community centers with available gym time.
• Youth and after-school programming may be reassigned to nearby sites on a temporary basis.
• Outdoor fields and park spaces may continue operating when buildings are restricted.

Repair, replacement, and capital planning remain key constraints

After the West Park collapse, Metro Parks faced a choice between repairing the gym structure or pursuing a larger replacement project. Earlier planning discussions included a gym repair project estimated at about $3 million, while a full facility replacement was discussed at a substantially higher cost, around $19 million. By September 2025, Metro Parks was preparing to demolish the remaining West Park community center building while awaiting funding decisions needed to begin a full replacement process.

Major recreation facilities typically require a multi-step timeline that includes public input, design, bidding, and construction—often stretching into years.

What happens next

Metro Parks’ next steps depend on engineering findings, the scope of needed repairs, and available capital funding. In the near term, closures are expected to remain in place until structural evaluations are complete and any required work is scheduled. Metro Parks has maintained a public facility-closures page for updates on operational changes across its recreation system.

For residents who rely on public gyms for low-cost exercise and youth sports, the closures add pressure to already limited indoor court availability—especially during winter and rainy months when outdoor alternatives are less practical.