Big River Park gets $1M from First Horizon Foundation
Project will add trail, amenities, restore land
First Horizon Foundation, the private charitable foundation of First Horizon Corporation, has committed $1M for the creation of Big River Park, a conservation effort along the Mississippi River.
Big River Park Conservancy is collaborating with Ducks Unlimited and Tenn green Land Conservancy to acquire and restore 1,500 acres of land along the Mississippi River, primarily between the Hernando de Soto Bridge and Big River Crossing on the Harahan Bridge, according to a news release.
“With the Mississippi River as one of our company’s environmental focus areas, we are proud to play a vital role in this initiative,” said Bryan Jordan, president and CEO of First Horizon Corporation, in the release. “This initiative and partnership will safeguard and conserve the land along the river as well as provide our community with opportunities to enjoy the beautified space.”
The project will restore the land’s natural features and add trail and park amenities.
Big River Crossing opened five years ago as the country’s longest active bike pedestrian rail bridge. It has since welcomed more than one million visitors across the Mississippi River.
“Big River Crossing created this opportunity to have a completely unique recreational and natural area within walking distance of Downtown Memphis, and we are grateful for First Horizon’s support of the continuity of this great project,” said Dow Mcvean on behalf of Big River Strategic Initiative.
Katherine Burgess covers county government and religion. She can be reached at katherine.burgess@commercialappeal.com, 901-529-2799 or followed on Twitter @kathsburgess.