Nashville’s first municipal park doesn’t look very park-like yet, but in a few weeks, that’s going to change.

The first new trees will be planted at Washington and Johnson streets this fall, Nashville Tree Board member Bruce Gould said.

On Nov. 7, the Duke Energy Foundation came to town to award a $7,500 grant for native plantings and benches at the park.

“This is another opportunity to invest in a community that has a lot of exciting things going on,” said Bruce Calloway, Duke Energy government and community relations manager.

“The development of this community space, along with interpretive signage about local flora and the critical role they play in the environment, will provide a benefit to all visitors.”

The town bought three side-by-side lots over the summer at the corner of Washington and Johnson streets for $100,000 with the intention of turning them into a park.

No firm plans have been developed for what will go into that park yet and there’s no timeline for when it will be finished. It’s still in the design phase.

The new trees will be planted around the edges to avoid impeding anything that might go into the park, Gould said. He also plans to contact local garden clubs to get involved.

“The park is envisioned to be a space for residents and visitors to walk their dogs, take a picnic or simply enjoy the outdoors,” said a news release from Zachary Huneck, the town intern running the park project. The release promised more opportunities soon for residents to get involved with the planning.

Town Manager Scott Rudd said the park idea makes good sense. “When the three lots all went up for sale at the same time this summer, the town recognized a unique opportunity to prevent further flood damage and create added value for the community,” he said.

So far, the town has removed two flood-damaged mobile homes from the property and prepared a historic cabin on the site for potential preservation.

The Duke Energy Foundation gives $2 million each year to Indiana communities.

Town officials said Duke has been “a great partner” all around on this project. When workers taking down the mobile homes found that the electricity was still connected, Duke acted immediately, Rudd said.

“Everything they support does good for the people in the community,” said town council President “Buzz” King.