A new attraction that will offer unprecedented views of the Mississippi River broke ground at the southern end of Tom Lee Park Thursday morning.
Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) announced that The Memphis Flyway will open in 2026, and will be the only “ free and ADA-accessible observation deck on the Mississippi River.” The organization expects more than 1 million visitors per year.
“The Memphis Flyway will become the premier place to experience the Mississippi River along the Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota to its delta at the Gulf of Mexico,” MRPP said in a statement.
The Flyway was designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, who also oversaw the renovation of Tom Lee Park. According to MRPP, the project is a ground-supported canopy boardwalk supported by three steel mast column bundles.
Credit: Memphis riverfront Parks Parntership
“It extends along the southeast-northwest direction for a total length of approximately 218 feet,” MRPP said. “ The Memphis Flyway presents a slightly curving main span 105 feet long followed by an overlook span.”
While The Flyway presents a way to preserve history and attract tourists, it will also practice conservation.
“The Memphis Flyway will conserve the unspoiled habitat below the structure for a wide variety of species, including the at-risk Monarch butterfly and offer visitors a view of the more than 100 species of birds that fly past the Memphis riverfront each year,” the organization said.
This project is being funded by the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and an anonymous donor.