See Nashville's Famous Dragon at Fannie Mae Dees Park

Better known as the Dragon Park, Fannie Mae Dees park is a great park for all ages and all abilities. It is located 2 blocks from Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital so if you ever have to spend time there this park is a nice escape. We first visited the park on our house hunting trip after hearing about it from another Mom at the zoo.

All Abilities Play Area

There are several large playscapes that make up the park. Most areas of all the playscapes are tree covered so there is plenty of shade for hot summer afternoons. The first is Lily’s Garden which is an all abilities play area.

Fannie Mae Dees Park - Playground in the Shade

Fannie Mae Dees Park - Playground Accessible for all

There are swings built for children with disabilities as well as a playscape that can be used by a child in a wheel chair. There is also a small sprayer that is turned on in the summer.

Fannie Mae Dees Park - Swings including 2 for Handicapped children

The second area is geared toward smaller children. It has several bouncers and a small climbing area with a slide and a sand pit with a build in shovel. Bring your own shovels and buckets from home for more fun.

Fannie Mae Dees Park - Smaller play area 2

Nashville’s Famous Dragon

In the center of the park is a sculpture of a dragon that was built by Pedro Silva and decorated by local artists and Nashville volunteers. It is wonderful to climb on and great for family pictures.

Play Area for Older Kids

At the back of the park is another climbing area that looks like a huge pile of rocks. There is a tunnel built in and a slide. This is my 10 year old’s favorite area. It plays host to lots of imaginative play.

Fannie Mae Dees Park - Rock Climbing area

Tennis and Soccer

If that is not enough to entice a visit, there are also tennis courts, a soccer pitch and some picnic tables with a water fountain. The bathrooms are clean and even have a changing table. They are located at the front of the park (nearest Blakemore Ave.).

Where to Park

Now for the downside – parking. There is a small parking lot with 4 regular spaces and 3 handicap spaces. If you are not lucky enough to be one of those seven cars, street parking is available on both 26th Ave. and 24th Ave. South.