Shelby Farms Park will cut the ribbon on its new development, Heart of the Park, on
September 1, 2016 at 9 am at the First Tennessee Visitor Center.
The Heart of the Park project, the center of Shelby Farms Park’s signature Master Plan, has transformed the existing lake landscape into a new area of the Park which will become a vibrant and diverse community hub, an environmental teaching tool, an important part of the business plan to sustain the Park, and a gathering place for health and recreation, relaxation and big water adventure.
The developments have increased the lake from 52 to 80 acres, added over 55 acres of new meadow and included the planting of 3,000 new trees. In addition to the new landscape, Heart of the Park includes the new First Tennessee Foundation Visitor Center, the FedEx Event Center, Kitchen Bistro and Kitchenette, new walking and biking trails, SMART charging station, additional restrooms, benches and swings, water play splash pad, picnic pavilions, boat and bike rental pavilions, an outdoor event stage, and more.
“What began as a vision, led into years of hard work by countless people and has now evolved into this amazing place,” said Jen Andrews, Executive Director, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. “Heart of the Park was intentionally built to be as many different things for the community as possible. Whether people want to sail the lake, bike the trail, or just enjoy the view, they’ll definitely find it in Heart of the Park. “
“Shelby Farms Park has long been one of the most loved open spaces in Memphis and Shelby County. The Park is enjoyed by over one million people a year,” says Tom Grimes, Chair, Board of Directors, Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. “The addition of these new amenities and activities in Heart of the Park Park will allow visitors to interact with the environment and one another in countless new ways. “
Shelby Farms Park will celebrate the opening of the new area with “30 Days of Celebration.” These free events every day in the month of September will encourage visitors to visit, play and get acquainted with the new space. The programs will focus on art, music, nature and fitness. A full list of events can be found at
www.shelbyfarmspark.org/30-days-of-celebration
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