Memphis river parks partnership TOM LEE park river edge trail

The Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration awarded a $2,748,673 Formula Grant under the Recreational Trails Program (CFDA 20.219) on June 9, 2022 to the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The funding will support development of a pedestrian path and river edge trail at Tom Lee Park in Memphis, Tennessee. Specifically, the grant will finance construction of a winding cobblestone and exposed aggregate path linking the northern and southern areas of the park. The trail will pass through varied landscapes and include amenities such as a fountain, pavilion, restrooms, and an elevated accessible boardwalk offering views of the Mississippi River through the tree canopy. The project aligns with the Recreational Trails Program's purpose of developing and maintaining nonmotorized and motorized recreational trails and related facilities.

Project description

A pedestrian path of cobblestone paving and exposed aggregate integral color would link the site's northern and southern reaches. The path winds through distinct topographies and experiences, leading to the civic gateway's unique fountain and then winding through a grove of trees to a pavilion for restrooms, fitness stations and breathtaking views of the mississippi river via an elevated, accessible walkway through the immersive tree canopy.