Memphis River Parks Partnership facts for kids
| Abbreviation | MRPP |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2018 |
| Purpose | To "work with and for the people of Memphis to trigger the transformative power of our river." |
| Headquarters | 22 N Front St 960, Memphis, TN 38103 |
| Leader | Carol Coletta |
The Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) is a group that doesn't make money for itself. It looks after and improves the parks and fun places along the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee. Before April 2018, this group was known as the Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC).
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What is the Memphis River Parks Partnership?
The Memphis River Parks Partnership helps the city of Memphis take care of its riverfront. This includes about five miles of parks and other areas along the Mississippi River. Their main goal is to make the riverfront a great place for everyone in Memphis to enjoy.
How Did the Partnership Start?
The group started in 2000 as the Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC). One of their biggest early projects was building a new dock called Beale Street Landing. This dock was for cruise ships and other boats. However, the project had many delays and cost much more money than planned.
Beale Street Landing finally opened in June 2014. But people had already lost some trust in the RDC. Groups like "Friends for Our Riverfront" also criticized the RDC. Because of these issues and money problems, the RDC decided to change.
In April 2018, the RDC changed its name to the Memphis River Parks Partnership. Carol Coletta became the new CEO. She started a big plan to make the riverfront better. This plan, called the Memphis Riverfront Concept, aimed to connect and improve the parks. It also included a new "River Line" trail to link all five riverfront park areas.
Early Changes and New Parks
After becoming the Partnership, many quick changes happened. They added new activities like yoga, Skate Nights, and Full Moon Kayaking. Work on the riverfront plan also moved fast.
In November 2018, the first new projects were finished: River Garden and the River Line trail. River Garden used to be Jefferson Davis Park. It was then called Mississippi River Park. The new River Garden has native plants, a pavilion, and fun play areas. Some parts of the park were even designed by students from Shelby County Schools.
Challenges and Solutions for Tom Lee Park
In May 2019, the MRPP shared a plan to redesign Tom Lee Park. This plan cost 60 million dollars. However, it caused some arguments. The organizers of the Memphis in May music festival, which happens yearly in the park, were worried. They thought the new design would make the park less suitable for big crowds. This might force the festival to move.
Park supporters, though, said the new park would be better for everyone. They also believed it could still host large events. In December 2019, the MRPP and Memphis in May settled their disagreement. A retired judge helped them find a solution. New plans for Tom Lee Park were shown in May 2020. These plans included changes requested by the festival.
Riverfront Improvements and Community Impact
Despite some challenges, the Partnership has been praised for its work. They have helped change parks that once honored Confederate figures. In March 2019, visitors from across the country came to see "The Fourth Bluff." This area includes River Garden, Fourth Bluff Park, and parts of the River Line Trail. Visitors were very impressed with the changes.
Fourth Bluff Park was the second park the Partnership improved in 2019. It has hosted many art displays, like the Peace Project. This park has become a popular place for people to gather. It even hosts official watch parties for the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team. Thousands of people come together there. The Partnership's work to create new, lively spaces where old statues once stood has become an example for other cities.
