Parking and traffic plan update
(For a permalink to this information, visit www.overtonpark.org/plan, which we’ll be updating with new details.)
Parking and traffic are frequent challenges in Overton Park, as both the park itself and its cultural institutions get more popular with each passing year. It’s time for the community to come together to identify solutions to these challenges.
Overton Park Conservancy and our partner institutions in the park selected the team of Looney Ricks Kiss, Alta Planning + Design, and Kimley-Horn and Associates to lead a planning effort around improving parking and traffic flow in the park. The completed plan will inform the mediation process Mayor Strickland has asked that Overton Park Conservancy enter into with the Memphis Zoo.
The Process
The consulting team will begin by meeting with representatives from each park partner organization: Overton Park Conservancy, the Memphis Zoo, Levitt Shell, Memphis College of Art, Brooks Museum of Art, and the Links at Overton Park. Each group will have a chance to voice concerns and ideas about the challenges they face.
The team will then conduct focus groups with other stakeholder organizations, including neighborhood associations and park advocacy groups. These listening sessions will be followed by a meeting with the general public, to whom the team will present a draft of guiding principles for the plan.
After combining the results of all these conversations with its research into current conditions, the team will then conduct a two-day design charrette. This process of developing a menu of potential solutions will bring partner institutions and focus groups back to the table, followed by a second public meeting at the conclusion of the charrette. The team will present a series of options, along with an idea of the time and cost of implementation, to build consensus around a plan of action.
Schedule
Park Partner Interviews: Week of January 25
Focus Group Interviews and Public Meeting #1: Tuesday, February 2, 6:00 p.m., Brooks Museum of Art Auditorium
Design Charrette and Public Meeting #2: Thursday, February 18, 6:00 p.m., Brooks Museum of Art Auditorium
Online Survey
Can’t make the meetings? Want to share your opinion? Alta has created an online survey where you can give your feedback. Answers go directly to the consulting team. Click here to offer your comments.
Donate to the Conservancy
We need your help defraying the costs associated with the planning effort, mediation, and legal fees related to the Zoo’s complaint for declaratory judgment. We are immensely grateful for the pro bono work that Burch, Porter & Johnson, PLLC, has provided on behalf of Overton Park for the past 50+ years, and for their ongoing and steadfast support. However, we anticipate additional legal expenses will arise related to this matter. If you’d like to support our efforts to find solutions that benefit all park users, you can donate via the form below or send a check to Overton Park Conservancy, 1914 Poplar Avenue, Suite 202, Memphis, TN 38104. We thank you for your support!
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