Memphis history is powered by the world’s greatest river. For years, Memphians have dreamed of a riverfront whose majesty matches the river it frames.
Today, guided by the Memphis Riverfront Concept, Memphis River Parks Partnership is transforming underused and disconnected parks, former industrial sites, parks formerly housing Confederate monuments, a historic cobblestone landing, forgotten land behind flood walls and arteries in disadvantaged neighborhoods into a connected, catalytic and inclusive system of public parks and trails with equity as a driving value.
At its center sits Tom Lee Park—the most visible and accessible riverfront real estate. Drawing inspiration from the river itself, this front door to Memphis is being reimagined as a vibrant and dynamic civic space that finally connects the city to its river in beautiful, sustainable and equitable ways.
| Infrastructure Type | Waterfront / Waterway |
| Status | Open / Ongoing |
| Opening | Open Tom Lee Park opening 2023 |
| Size | 250 acres |
| Design Team | Groundswell Design Group, SCAPE Studio, Studio Gang |
| Management | Memphis River Parks Partnership |
| Project Leader | Carol Coletta |
Tom Lee Park goes vertical. A gigantic addition to the park in downtown Memphis made Wednesday one of the most important days in the TLP renovation project.
Our cities deserve parks that transcend our nation’s divisions. This means we must be bold in their creation. They have to be located in places where poor people can easily get to them and wealthy people can easily see them. They have to be alluring enough to attract people with money who can spend time wherever they choose and welcoming enough to attract people who don’t necessarily believe such places are meant for them. They have to be civil enough to convey the feeling of safety but not so restrictive that joy cannot be amply expressed. They have to reflect both the diversity of a community and the beliefs and values it holds in common.
Spurred by Herzog & de Meuron’s new art museum and a rethought waterfront park by Studio Gang, city leaders turn to design to make a downtown for “everyone.”
