Tom Lee Park: Design team unveils final updates

Memphians have about two weeks to visit the old Tom Lee Park before its transformation begins.

The park will close for Memphis in May festivities on May 1, and once the festival wraps up, construction on the park will begin in earnest.

Project lead Chris Bennett said the park is on track to be completed in the spring of 2023.

Currently, the design team is preparing to submit a permit to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which has to give permission for changes to any of its Civil Works projects, he said. Across Riverside Drive — which will also be seeing some changes as part of the park overhaul — work on the Cutbank Bluff is

ongoing.

The design team behind the park gave an update this week highlighting several new features, including a water feature, hammocks and other additional seating areas along with two pavilions that will have concession stands. The team also talked about the children's play areas, which will include massive play structures shaped like river otters.

The update followed an announcement that the park had received $3.25 million in donations from Autozone, First Horizon Foundation, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Campbell Clinic and Regional One Health, bringing the project to 80% of its funding goal.

Some of the park's key features have been named after the big-ticket donors.

The First Horizon Sunset Lounge and Lawn is described as “stunning destinations for groups to gather at the river's edge and enjoy the iconic sunsets” and Brad Howe, a designer working on the project, said the 7,000-square-foot Autozone Plaza will include a mist feature.

“(It) really is a place in the summertime where kids could run through or someone working out in the park could just jump in and cool off really quickly,” he said.

Fittingly, walking and running trails in the park will be named for Regional One Health and Campbell Clinic. Baptist Memorial Healthcare is sponsoring the Heroes Plaza, which includes the Tom Lee memorial.

Carol Coletta, president and CEO of the Memphis River Parks Partnership, said Tom Lee Park was the “missing centerpiece” of the ongoing riverfront evolution.

“Our goal is to build the best waterfront park in America,” she said. “I believe our team has given us a design that will allow us to do that.”

Corinne S Kennedy covers economic development, soccer and COVID-19’S impact on hospitals for the Commercial Appeal. She can be reached via email at Corinne.kennedy@commercialappeal.com or at 901-297-3245.