Nashville Partners with Red Frogs to Enhance Downtown Nightlife Safety
Nashville, Tenn. – A new effort is underway to improve safety in the bustling downtown nightlife of Nashville. The city has officially partnered with Red Frogs, a non-profit organization from Australia, to provide resources and support for those enjoying the vibrant scene. This collaboration is particularly timely following recent incidents that raised concerns about safety, including the unfortunate cases where individuals fell into the Cumberland River.
Program Launch and Location
Starting this Friday, Red Frogs will set up their station in downtown Nashville, specifically at the busy corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway, right next to Chiefs bar. The decision to allow Red Frogs to operate in the area was approved by Metro leaders after they tested the program successfully during major events like CMA Fest and the 4th of July celebrations. Metro Councilman Jacob Kupin, who represents the downtown district, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We’ve seen it work, we’ve seen proof in concept, and I’m excited to see it expand.”
The Role of Red Frogs
Red Frogs aims to create a “chill zone” for party-goers. According to Dan Terry, the Red Frogs National Director, the organization offers a safe space where people can stay hydrated by drinking water, charge their phones, or receive assistance walking to their cars or accommodations. “We always say we’re the fence at the top of the cliff, not the ambulance at the bottom. Our whole idea is to be early intervention,” stated Terry.
The organization’s approach focuses on preventing incidents before they occur, particularly issues related to sexual assault and violence. Terry emphasized the goal is to provide support for those who may feel vulnerable, thus reducing the risk of negative outcomes that can happen during a night out. He added, “Hopefully, we’ll never need to see those stories, those tragic stories that we’ve seen in the past year or so take place in Nashville ever again because now we’re able to be a support and help people when they need it.”
No Cost to Taxpayers
One of the noteworthy aspects of this partnership is that it will come at no cost to Nashville taxpayers. Councilman Kupin reassured residents that since Red Frogs operates as a non-profit organization, the city will not bear any financial burden for this initiative. He also mentioned the program’s success at previous events, reinforcing the viability of such a service in downtown Nashville.
Future Plans
The plan is to have the Red Frogs station operational every Friday night initially, with hopes of expanding to other nights and larger events. This approach aims to provide a consistent safety net for individuals enjoying the nightlife, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.
Nashville is known for its vibrant night scene, attracting both locals and visitors with its array of bars, music venues, and entertainment options. As the city continues to grow, the need for safety measures becomes increasingly important. By partnering with Red Frogs, Nashville leaders are taking a proactive step toward ensuring everyone can enjoy their night out while minimizing risks.
Additional Resources
In addition to the on-site support provided by Red Frogs, patrons are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings, travel in groups when possible, and use safe transportation options such as rideshare services. The new initiative aims to complement existing safety protocols already in place in the city while enhancing the overall experience for everyone.
Conclusion
With the backing of Metro Nashville and the operational expertise of Red Frogs, downtown Nashville is set to become a safer environment for nightlife enthusiasts. As this initiative officially kicks off, community members and visitors alike can look forward to more enjoyable nights out, knowing that help is readily available if needed. Nashville is taking a step in the right direction toward offering a safer nightlife experience for all.
For those interested in accessing the services provided by Red Frogs, the station will be available starting this Friday, promising to be a welcome addition to the downtown area.
