Memphis River Parks Partnership facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | MRPP |
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| 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 3103 |
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CEO
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Art Davis (interrim) |
The Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) is a group that helps manage and improve parks along the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee. It is a nonprofit organization, which means it works for public benefit, not for profit. Until April 2018, it was known as the Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC). The MRPP works with the city government to make the riverfront a great place for everyone.
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How the Partnership Began and Grew
The organization started in 2000 as the Riverfront Development Corporation (RDC). Its job was to take care of and improve five miles of parks along the Mississippi River in Memphis.
Early Challenges and Changes
One of the RDC's biggest projects was building Beale Street Landing. This was a new dock for cruise ships and other boats. The project faced many delays and cost a lot more money than planned. Beale Street Landing finally opened in June 2014. However, people had lost some trust in the RDC because of the problems. Groups like Friends for Our Riverfront also criticized the organization.
Because of this negative public image and money problems, the RDC decided to make a big change. In April 2018, it rebranded itself as the Memphis River Parks Partnership. This was part of a plan to make the organization better and more effective.
New Vision for the Riverfront
Carol Coletta became the CEO of the Partnership in April 2018. She launched a new plan called the Memphis Riverfront Concept. This plan focused on making small, smart improvements along the riverfront. The goal was to make the existing parks even better and help downtown Memphis grow. A key part of the plan was a new "River Line" trail. This trail would connect the five main riverfront park areas in the city.
The Partnership quickly started making changes. They added fun new activities to the riverfront, like yoga, Skate Nights, and Full Moon Kayaking. Progress on the riverfront plan also moved fast.
First Projects: River Garden and River Line
In November 2018, the first new projects were finished: River Garden and the River Line. River Garden used to be called Jefferson Davis Park, then Mississippi River Park. The new park now has native plants, a pavilion, and a fun play area with climbing structures. It even has giant bird nests! Students from Shelby County Schools helped design and build parts of the park.
Tom Lee Park Redesign
In May 2019, the MRPP announced a plan to redesign Tom Lee Park. This plan cost $60 million. The park is famous for hosting the Memphis in May music festival every year. Some people who organized and loved the festival worried that the new design would make the park less suitable for large crowds. They thought it might force the festival to move. However, supporters of the park said the new design would be better for everyone and still be able to host big events.
The disagreement between the MRPP and Memphis in May was settled in December 2019. A retired judge helped them work out an agreement. New plans for Tom Lee Park were shown in May 2020. These plans included specific things that Memphis in May had asked for.
Recent Developments
Since the dispute with Memphis in May, the MRPP has faced other issues. In September 2019, the MRPP was found to be putting mud into the Mississippi River without permission. Local people took videos, and the federal Corps of Engineers got involved. The MRPP has also been criticized for not keeping the riverfront parks well maintained. Visitors have noticed broken attractions and unkempt lawns.
Despite these challenges, the Partnership has also received praise. Many people have applauded their work to improve the Memphis riverfront, especially transforming parks that once had names linked to the Confederacy. 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 one park manager from Philadelphia saying the experience gave her "goosebumps."
What the Partnership Does
Managing Parks
The Memphis River Parks Partnership takes care of 12 city parks along six miles of the Mississippi River. Some of the well-known parks they manage include Mud Island Park and Tom Lee Park. The parks in the northern part of the city are connected by the River Line. This is a series of trails that link Big River Crossing to the Wolf River Greenway.
Fourth Bluff Park Improvements
Fourth Bluff Park was the second park the Partnership improved in 2019. It has hosted various art displays, including the Peace Project. This project featured art by artists from South Memphis. The park also had a temporary public art display by artist Hank Willis Thomas.
Fourth Bluff Park has become a popular place for people to gather. It is now home to the Memphis Grizzlies' official playoff watch parties. Thousands of Memphians come together here to celebrate. The Partnership's work to change spaces that once held Confederate statues into lively public areas is seen as a great example for other cities.
Hosting Events
The Memphis River Parks Partnership organizes many events and activities. Since 2024, it has hosted the Riverbeat Music Festival and the SmokeSlam BBQ competition in Tom Lee Park. These events replaced the long-running Memphis in May festival, which used to be held there.
