Tom Lee Park Demolition Begins With Final Plan Approvals

Construction on the Tom Lee Park project can officially begin after a final permit was issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and an approval from the mayor’s office.

The project is spearheaded by the Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) and will completely transform the now-flat and wide-open riverside park with small hills, paths through forests, a cafe with a porch, a covered space for recreation, a new entry plaza, a canopy walk, and more. Construction on the Cutbank Bluff portion of the project got underway earlier this year and is scheduled to be complete this spring. 

Check out a gallery of the latest images of the park plans here:

Half of the project funding will come from state, city, and county coffers. The remainder of will be raised privately, an effort that got an early boost with a $5 million gift from the Hyde Family Foundation. The Tennessee Department of Conservation and Environment (TDEC) recently granted $800,000 for trails in the park. All funds for the 30-acre park project now total $52 million. 

The plans also got a key approval Tuesday from Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland’s Riverfront Steering Committee for the final construction documents for the park and Riverside Drive. MRPP called that approval and the the USACE permit “major milestones.” They come just before crews begin work Thursday to demolish the existing grass and ground at the park.   

“As I look out my window and see children playing in the River Garden, I think about what an amazing experience Memphis’ kids will have in the new Tom Lee Park,” said MRPP president and CEO Carol Coletta. “From nature walks, to outdoor concerts, to running through the misting fountains on a hot summer day — and so much more — that’s what we have to look forward to. A free, signature park that will put Memphis on the map, complete with fascinating features for everyone to enjoy, 365 days a year. With today’s (USACE) permit approval, we’re a big step closer.”