NEWS
Memphis River Parks Partnership works with and for the people of Memphis to trigger the transformative power of our river.
A new entrance for Mud Island Park
The north gate to Mud Island Park is getting a facelift! Coming soon: a new, enhanced visitor experience, better aesthetics and more clearly defined movement patterns.
An oasis of play and learning on the riverfront
Imagine a big, dreamy play space for your grandchildren. A space tucked amid solid oaks and small hills that form comfortable, safe rooms with ample shade. Space filled with wondrous wooden river creatures standing 30 feet tall, made for climbing and exploring. Space that feels right whether you are eight or 80 years old.
The new Tom Lee Park — Explained
The transformation of the most visible real estate in Memphis — Tom Lee Park — is well underway. What was a flat and largely featureless 31 acres of open space is becoming a stunning, natural, inviting place for all of Memphis and Shelby County with Tom Lee’s legacy of kindness, generosity and empathy at the forefront.
Two Fountains on Riverfront Under Construction
Originally published in The Best Times, February 2022.
Wanted: High School Poets and MCs for the Tom Lee Contest
Submit Poetry and Spoken Word Entries Here Read the Tom Lee Contest Rules and Guidelines Memphis River Parks Partnership, with support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
What the new Tom Lee Park means for views of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is at its widest and wildest as it flows by Memphis. We are lucky to sit at a uniquely spectacular spot on the river and to look across to unspoiled wetlands in Arkansas. The new Tom Lee Park will finally be worthy of the river flowing alongside it.
Theaster Gates to Create “A Monument to Listening” for Tom Lee Park
Internationally acclaimed artist and social innovator Theaster Gates is creating a new, site-specific artwork for Tom Lee Park.
A safer, slower Riverside Drive through design
Ensuring safe, convenient and joyful access to the river is a priority for Memphis River Parks Partnership.
Tom Lee Park — Update to Memphis City Council
This morning, we have very good news to bring you. Yesterday, the Mayor’s Riverfront Steering Committee has issued its final approval for construction documents for the Cutbank Bluff, Tom Lee Park and Riverside Drive.
The Facts about Parking for Tom Lee Park
With bits of misinformation pushing into social media and beyond, there may be some confusion about important aspects of a major coming attraction for Memphis. (Those with long memories may remember similar rumors being spread on FedEx Forum while it was being built…)
A year of family-friendly fun on a Riverside Drive for people…
A year ago this week, Mayor Jim Strickland gave the city a great gift with the closure of Riverside Drive to vehicles. Opening the street to people changed the way Memphians used their riverfront and created the potential for new park experiences at Tom Lee Park.
MUD ISLAND PARK READY TO SHOW OFF ITS SOUL THIS SUMMER
New placemaking installation headlines upgrades at Mud Island Park for the 2021 Summer Season.
Progress continues on Tom Lee Park
As construction continues on the Cutbank Bluff, final details for the groundplane of Tom Lee Park west of Riverside Drive continue to be refined. Watch the video update above to see the latest images and details of the new park. Design development is now complete and the design team is working to finalize construction documents for the balance of the park. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer.
Construction continues as Tom Lee Park hits funding and design milestones
As the new northern entrance to Tom Lee Park takes shape at the Cutbank Bluff, Memphis River Parks Partnership celebrates major steps forward as funding and design milestones are hit, powered by significant donations from acclaimed local brands.
Major Milestone for the Memphis Riverfront
A virtual groundbreaking is set for 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 9, at the site of the park’s new gateway — the Cutbank Bluff — and will run live on the Partnership’s Facebook page.
What’s Next for Tom Lee Park? Q&A
Last month, Memphis River Parks Partnership shared an update on Tom Lee Park’s design process and published the completed schematic design. The design and approval process can be complex — your questions answered below!
Investing in Parks, Investing in Equity
Remarks by Carol Coletta to the International Downtown Association Annual Conference on October 7, 2020.
How Do We Make a Safe Riverside Drive — Virtual Public Meeting Recap
Memphis River Parks Partnership held a virtual public meeting Monday, September 21, 2020, to consider ways to make Riverside Drive safer, slower, and accessible for all visitors to a reimagined Tom Lee Park. Participants overwhelmingly supported improvements that achieved those goals.
Memphis River Line Gets a New Look
New signage in Martyrs Park points the way to Big River Crossing and back.
How Do We Make a Safe Riverside Drive?
Today, traffic moves very quickly (and sometimes very wildly) on Riverside Drive. Pedestrians attempting to cross the street (or even to enjoy the park) are often placed in an unsafe situation.