New Tom Lee Park Plan Revealed
New Tom Lee Park Plan Revealed
Today, the Memphis River Parks Partnership revealed an updated plan for the redesign of Tom Lee Park. It was broadcast live in the Daily Memphian website and YouTube.
You can watch the full presentation, which is still live right now, here. There's also a virtual walkthrough on the new TomLeePark.org website. Here are the bullet points, Memphis In May info, and some images:
Special thanks to the Daily Memphian for hosting a Q&A with Carol Coletta (President and CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership) and Kate Orff (principal of SCAPE), and Jeanne Gang (principal of Studio Gang). Some of the below bullet points were pulled from the video presentation and the Q&A portion:
Fast Facts and Memphis in May Info
- The new plan meets the requirements set forth by the mediation between MRPP, Memphis in May, and the Army Corp of engineers including open space requirements for events.
- Memphis In May will still happen in Tom Lee Park this fall (if everything goes as planned re: pandemic) and in May 2021.
- Memphis In May is supposed be out of the park for one year only: 2022.
- The space for BBQ team tents and stages for BSMF meet the requirements from the mediation.
- The project will cost a total of about $60 million. Sources of funding: Tourism Development Zone money, Shelby County, State of Tennessee, and private funding.
New Design Fast Facts + Observations
- Vast and expansive grassy open spaces
- Riverside Drive will remain as it is
- There
are the same number of parking spaces as today,but are spread out along the length of the park, including on both sides of Riverside Drive. Update as of July 26, 2022: there will be 15 less parking spaces, leaving us at 70 ish spaces. - Spaces for playgrounds, picnics, and
a sand bar beachUpdate as of July 26, 2022: no more beach - Has some shade but preserves views of the river
- Accessible ramp built down from the bluff
- A "civic water feature" and shady grove near Beale Street Landing
- A canopy in the Heart of the Park
- A "very high above the river" platform on the South End Update as of July 26, 2022: this part is currently pending funding
Today: After renovation: Today: After renovation: Today: After renovation:
This new plan comes after some, um, consternation from some locals after the first plan was announced last spring. Mostly, supporters of Memphis In May were concerned the new plan wouldn't leave adequate room for Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. According to the Daily Memphian, the mayor mandated that the Memphis River Parks Partnership work with Memphis in May and the Army Corps of Engineers to come to an agreement on the new design.
Memphians are in their FEELINGS about this. I may regret asking this, but—what are yours? Let me know in the comments, but keep it civil.
For more information: Memphis River Parks Partnership's Tom Lee Park Website
Comments Make Us Happy