As Overton Park Conservancy has worked with the community to envision the future of the park, we’ve already made some positive changes: the renovation of the Overton Park 9 golf course and clubhouse, the addition of a new trail in the Old Forest, and the installation of new sidewalks to improve accessibility along Poplar Avenue. But many more changes are on the way, and we’ve got a few things to run by you!
Now through early July, we’re asking for your feedback on two key sections of the park: the Rainbow Lake and East Parkway areas. As we work with our partners at Design Workshop and A2H – Engineers | Architects | Planners to develop improvement projects for the next few years, we want to make sure we invest in smart design decisions that make the park more accessible, welcoming, and exciting for our community. Our online survey will guide you through some of the proposals, along with examples of features from other parks that are similar to what we might implement here. It should take about 5 minutes to complete.
We invite you to take a few minutes to complete the survey! More details about the projects are below.
Rainbow Lake Area
Most of the big changes are centered around the Rainbow Lake area: the lake, playground, pavilion, and dog park.
- Because the Memphis Zoo has gifted us with a parcel of land between the lake and the forest (a plot that formerly hosted temporary exhibits), we’ll be able to expand the lake eastward. The current area around the lake is about 80,000 square feet, and with this addition, we gain 13,000 square feet.
- We envision removing the lake’s concrete bottom and creating a more natural edge filled with aquatic plants that provide wildlife habitat.
- We’re proposing boardwalks that provide new ways to view and experience the lake, Greensward, and forest.
- The playground needs some reworking to build more environmentally-sustainable structures that prioritize safety and nature play.
- We’re proposing to replace the current pavilion with a larger one that could serve as a home base for our educational programs, provide an indoor space for event rentals, and add to the amount of shaded outdoor space.
We have two potential designs for the pavilion. Option A features a building designed to feel light and transparent within the landscape. While it creates a defined edge along the lake, it’s detailed to minimize its visual presence, allowing the landscape to remain the dominant feature. Option B features a sculptural form that enhances the arrival experience. The lake informs the building’s shape, creating a fluid edge between architecture and nature. Take a look at each concept and tell us what you like, dislike, or wonder about each.
We’d also like you to look at some examples of boardwalk trails and tell us which ones look best. Consider what would make the lake feel most accessible, functional, and interesting to you.
East Parkway Area
The East Parkway area features fewer big changes and more enhancements based on how this well-used space is working for people. For this area, we’re considering the pavilion, playground, and the open picnic areas that extend from the Bike Gate plaza to the north to the fire station to the south.
- The pavilion—the park’s oldest surviving structure—needs structural and aesthetic repairs.
- The demand for events at this location might suggest that a second pavilion should be considered. What do you think of that idea?
- The playground hasn’t had a significant renovation in decades, so this is also a chance to reimagine it.
- We’re proposing some new walking trails and additional seating inspired by the beloved, historic concrete picnic tables.
