Zone 1 – Memphis Flyer

Overton Park Conservancy

Trails of all kinds. More forest land. More grassland. Playgrounds. Fitness stations. Festivals. Art installations. Gardens. Commercial activities. No commercial activities.

Votes and suggestions are in for the best ways to develop a 13-acre piece of property on the east side of Overton Park. The space has been home to a City of Memphis general services facility for decades. But it’s moving out, leaving a blank canvas that the Overton Park Conservancy (OPC) is now calling Zone 1.

It will, ultimately, be up to OPC to decide how to fill the space. But the organization asked community members in November what they want to see there. More than 1,000 voiced their opinions, and those opinions are varied.

An OPC blog post last week showed some high-level opinions. But a Wednesday post got into the nitty-gritty. The opinions came from a series of more-detailed questions. These asked about the kinds of trails people wanted to see, or natural features, structures, recreation elements, events, gardens, and commercial activities.

Most surveyed want more hiking trails.

Overton Park Conservancy

”Running trails either paved or unpaved connected with the rest of the park,” reads one comment. “The park needs a trail or sidewalk that rings the entire park.”

Most all wanted to expand the forest area, but many also suggested more grassland, ponds, and more.

Overton Park Conservancy

”Expanding forest is important but I hope there is a balance,” reads a comment. “We need forest but open green lawns are nice, too.”

The structures included in the survey were a mix of commercial space and public space. Most wanted a nature center, but they also hoped to have an outdoor classroom, rental space for events, a restaurant or retail space, and an Overton Park Welcome Center.

Overton Park Conservancy

”I’m not real keen on structures, but if there has to be one, it should likely be something that feeds money to the [OPC] to help run the park,” reads a comment. “Restaurant, food vendor, coffee shop.”

Related to that question was one more broadly about commercial activities in the park. OPC said that of those who left comments on the survey, “the most popular response was ’none,’ which didn’t surprise us. We know that there is a strong desire among park supporters to focus on the natural aspects of the park.”

Overton Park Conservancy

“We also know that it will take considerable funds to convert a 13-acre vehicle maintenance facility into a place people will want to visit, and that our current business model (which relies on private donations for 85 percent of the costs of operating the park) is not sustainable in the long term,” the OPC said in the post. “That’s why we’re exploring thoughtful ways to generate revenue.”
[pullquote-1-center] Food trucks were the most popular commercial activity suggested by the public. It was followed by a plant nursery, a stand for a cafe or concessions, equipment and game rentals, and a restaurant.

”Don’t picture a fast food franchise,” said the OPC. “We’re looking for something memorable and unique that enhances the Overton Park experience, and it’s so valuable to know what you envision that to be.”

For full survey results, visit the OPC online here.

Overton Park Conservancy

Peaceful. Busy. Commercial spaces. No commercial spaces. Build recreational areas. Build nothing.

More than 1,000 of you gave us your thoughtful feedback when we asked about the future of the east side of the park….

Posted by Overton Park on Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Suggestions Vary on Filling Empty Space at Overton Park

It will, ultimately, be up to OPC to decide how to fill the space. But the organization asked community members in November what they want to see in the space. More than 1,000 voiced their opinions, and those opinions are varied.

A Thursday blog post from OPC showed some high-level opinions. Another post, promised later, will get into the nitty-gritty of what amenities community members would like to see in the space.

Overton Park Conservancy

”Recreational areas e.g. volleyball courts, bocce courts, horseshoe pits, etc. for bring your own equipment,” reads one opinion OPC shared Thursday. “Nice restrooms. Unique playground. Maybe use greenhouse to grow and sell plants and flowers. Gift shop/restaurant/snack bar would be nice.”

Another resident opined, though, that the site should not be just for “developing amenities.”

Overton Park Conservancy

“Memphis needs a leader to bring the vision of an ecologically sustainable city to fruition,” reads the opinion. “Specifically, the park should focus development of this site on teaching and promoting the idea of ecosystem services, which is a scientific field detailing how urban forests can promote healthier people, improve safety, lower infrastructure costs, and add environmentally friendly jobs to our economy.”

Another set of opinions urged OPC leaders to “keep things quiet and peaceful” and, then, to “keep it busy. As many community engagement programs as possible. The more use it gets, the better its future is.”

Overton Park Conservancy

OPC said its design and business planning teams are working to incorporate all the ideas into “some exciting options.” However, the group admits implementing changes in the space will require “a source of revenue that it does not currently have.”