🏞️ How to build a new park in Nashville

🏞️ How Do Public Parks Get Made?

Mill Ridge Park is one of Nashville’s newest, but it’s more than just a massive playground and a giant teal slide. On today’s podcast, we explore how parks like Mill Ridge get made. Plus, we dig into the park’s $4 million expansion and its upcoming Pear Jam celebration. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• And meet the mom trying to build an accessible playground in Bellevue. [📰 City Cast Nashville]

💻 Nashville Prepares for AI Cyberattack

Nashville is adapting its cybersecurity strategies amid fears of hackers using artificial intelligence to attack the city’s critical systems. According to a statement from the mayor’s office, “We are extremely concerned about the evolving threat landscape, particularly regarding the malicious use of AI.” Nashville Electric Service, Metro Water Services, and the police department all have cybersecurity safeguards. [🔐 The Tennessean]

• A Vanderbilt University online tool was recently hacked by rogue OpenAI agents. [🔐 The Tennessean]

🌉 Bridges, Bridges, Bridges

The Tennessee Titans are seeking a $75 million extension of the John Seigenthaler Bridge to bring it closer to the new Nissan Stadium. The funds would come from the $300 million earmarked for East Bank developments. Meanwhile, the James Robertson Parkway bridge will close for several months in early 2027 to make way for the future East Bank Boulevard. [Nashville Scene; NewsChannel 5]

• Here are more East Bank developments coming our way. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏢 Paramount Seeks Office Space

Paramount Skydance is actively seeking 400,000 square feet of office space in Nashville. However, no current real estate matches the entertainment giant’s needs. Studio representatives have reached out to real estate developers about the potential for properties to become available in the next three years and were recently shown a multi-acre property outside downtown. [Politico]

• Paramount is being sued by 12 states, including California, where they’re currently located. Nashville is seen as a more business-friendly option. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🗳️ Governor’s Race Tightens?

A new political poll shows Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerri Green gaining on her Republican opponent, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn. Of the 600 polled, 45% said they’re likely to vote for Blackburn, and 36% for Green. The poll also showed Independent candidate and conservative David Hatley outperforming fellow independent Lauren Pinkston. Tennessee has elected a Republican governor for four straight cycles. [Nashville Banner]

• Early voting starts Oct. 14! Register by Oct. 5, and check your voting status here. [Nashville.gov; Tennessee Secretary of State]