Friends of Warner Parks recently lost one of the most influential leaders in our organization’s history. Eleanor Willis, who served as Executive Director from 1994 to 2013, played a pivotal role in shaping Friends of Warner Parks into the strong and effective partner it is today.
When Eleanor stepped into the role, Friends of Warner Parks was still a relatively young organization. Through her vision, energy, and deep connections across Nashville’s civic, business, and political communities, she helped grow the organization into a powerful nonprofit dedicated to the preservation, protection, and stewardship of Percy and Edwin Warner Parks.
Eleanor understood that protecting the Parks required both strong public partnerships and engaged community support. Throughout her tenure, she worked tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between Friends of Warner Parks and the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, Metro Parks staff, Metro Council, and the Mayor’s Office. Those partnerships remain foundational to the work we continue today.
Eleanor’s Legacy
Many of the initiatives that define the Warner Parks experience today took shape during Eleanor’s leadership.
One of her most recognizable contributions was helping develop the Full Moon Pickin’ Parties into the beloved annual tradition they are today. What began as a modest gathering grew into one of Nashville’s most unique outdoor music events — bringing thousands of people together each summer while raising critical funds that directly support the Parks.
Eleanor also provided key leadership for the capital campaign that significantly expanded and improved the Warner Park Nature Center campus, including the construction of the Susanne Warner Bass Learning Center. She believed that nature education should be inspiring as well as informative and championed the integration of art throughout the campus, supporting murals, sculptures, tile work, and other artistic elements that continue to enrich the visitor experience.
Her leadership extended beyond facilities and programming to the long-term protection of the landscape itself. During her tenure, Friends of Warner Parks helped secure the acquisition of approximately 500 additional acres of land that were incorporated into the Warner Parks system. These additions include the Hill Forest, now designated a State Natural Area, and the Burch Reserve — both of which protect valuable habitat and help ensure the ecological integrity of the Parks for generations to come.
Eleanor was also a strong advocate for natural resource management. She helped establish the long-standing partnership with Invasive Plant Control, Inc., including the development of the farmhouse that now serves as the organization’s operational base within the Parks. This partnership has played a vital role in protecting the health of the Park’s forests and native ecosystems.
Historic preservation was another priority during her leadership. Eleanor supported restoration efforts across the Parks, including the renovation of WPA-era picnic shelters, preservation of the 1811 House, restoration of historic stonework, and the first renovation of the iconic Allée.
Through each of these initiatives, Eleanor’s goal remained consistent: ensuring that the Warner Parks would be protected, thoughtfully stewarded, and accessible to future generations.
Her impact can be seen throughout the Parks today — in the landscapes preserved, the facilities improved, the programs created, and the partnerships strengthened.
Eleanor’s legacy lives on in the continued work of Friends of Warner Parks and the many people who care deeply for these treasured public spaces.
You can view photos from Eleanor’s life and work with the Parks in this Tennessean gallery.
