The Greensward
The park’s signature open space is where everyone goes to relax, meet up, and play.
Bike Gate Arch & Plaza
The iconic Bike Gate arch rises at East Parkway and Sam Cooper
in the location where Interstate 40 was once planned to cut through the park. Today, cyclists are welcomed via a plaza that connects the Old Forest trails to the Hampline and Shelby Farms Greenline.
Highlights include:
- Built in 2014 by Youngblood Studio
- Constructed of bikes and wheeled objects donated by the community
- Arch sponsored by First Tennessee Foundation
Trails
Limestone Loop Trail (1.4 miles):
A soft-surface running loop, renovated in 2012 through support from Rhodes College and Park Friends, and maintained by volunteers.
Old Forest Dirt Trails (Nearly 4 miles):
Winding through 126 acres of old-growth forest, perfect for nature immersion and exploration.
Paved Trails (2 miles):
Cyclists enjoy tree-lined rides under a canopy that’s truly one-of-a-kind in Memphis.
Bike Gate Plaza:
A trailhead for the Hampline and Shelby Farms Greenline, linking Overton Park to the broader citywide trail system.
Playgrounds
Rainbow Lake Playground
Features include:
- Climbing structures
- Big Green Mound with a hollow tree tunnel + slide
- Swingsets and a merry-go-round
- Chess tables
- DIY building area
- Noise-making sculptures
- Shaded picnic tables for caregivers
East Parkway Playground
A traditional playground with swings, slides, and plenty of space to play.
Features include:
- Climbing structures
- Picnic tables
- Adjacent pavilion—ideal for family reunions or group events
Veterans Plaza
This two-acre space honors more than 2,500 local veterans who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm.
- Doughboy Statue (1926)
- Margaret Polk “Memphis Belle” Monument (2011)
- A quiet, reflective space to honor the sacrifices of local heroes
Formal Gardens
Lined with symmetrical plantings and shaded by blooming crape myrtles, Overton Park’s Formal Gardens are a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
- Maintained by Daughters of the American Revolution – River City Chapter
- A pollinator garden, installed in 2024, features native plants and welcomed over 270 insect species in its first season
- A perfect spot for relaxation, meditation, or a scenic walk
Overton Bark
Overton Park is dog-friendly, and Overton Bark gives pups the space to roam, play, and socialize off-leash.
1.3-acre dog park, open daily from dawn to dusk
Separate areas for large and small dogs
Water fountains and cleanup stations
Rustic log benches for owners
Free and open to the public, thanks to Hollywood Feed sponsorship
Experience It All
With its mix of nature, activity, and relaxation, Overton Park offers a dynamic urban escape that’s always free and open to the public. Every visit brings a new opportunity to explore.