Memphis Parks: Progress Made but Access Challenges Persist

Memphis Parks: Progress and Challenges Ahead

When you think of Memphis, what comes to mind? The music, the BBQ, the famous Beale Street? But there’s more to this vibrant city than just its entertainment scene. The parks and outdoor spaces in Memphis play an essential role in our community, and recent discussions have highlighted the state of our beloved parks and their accessibility.

A Note on Rankings

Recently, there was buzz around the idea that Memphis parks were in the top 1% of city park systems in the U.S. However, that information was a bit misleading! In reality, Memphis is ranked #70 according to the Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore. While it’s great that we’ve climbed up the rankings from #79 last year, we still have significant challenges, especially regarding access for low-income communities and neighborhoods of color.

Understanding the Accreditation

Memphis parks did achieve accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), which sounds impressive! But hold up; this accreditation mainly checks off operational standards rather than measuring the actual experience and availability of parks to everyone in the neighborhoods. Think of it like getting a gold star in school for doing the homework, but not necessarily acing the test!

Access: The Real Issue

One of the stark realizations from the latest data is the lack of access some Memphians face. For instance, less than half (about 46%) of Memphis residents live within a comfortable 10-minute walk to a park. This is a significant concern when compared to the median of 74% for the 100 largest cities. The situation is even more troubling for our communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, which have access rates as low as 28% and 31%, respectively.

The Journey So Far

One positive note is that Memphis has been moving forward. Just a few years ago, our parks were ranked at #93. Thanks to a significant push, including a hefty $75 million from the Accelerate Memphis program aimed at improving parks and community centers, we’re now on the upswing. But let’s be clear: to continue this momentum, more funding is necessary. You can’t improve quality without cash flow!

Current Landscape of Memphis Parks

To really put things into perspective, let’s look at the percentage of the population living within a stone’s throw of a park:

• 53% – Bartlett
• 49% – Collierville
• 46% – Memphis
• 42% – Germantown
• 37% – Millington
• 23% – Arlington
• 22% – Lakeland

As you can see, Memphis sits right in the middle of our suburban neighbors. But when you compare us to other cities, it’s clear we have work to do to catch up. Cities like Cincinnati and Kansas City are leading the pack, while Nashville and Oklahoma City trail behind us.

Looking Ahead

With the ongoing challenges regarding funding and access, it’s essential for the city and community members to come together for tangible improvements. Increased funding will be needed to not only maintain the parks safely but to also ensure they are welcoming and accessible for everyone.

In conclusion, while there’s no denying that Memphis has made strides with its parks, we can’t rest on our laurels. There’s a commitment to be made—to advocate for our parks, push for funding, and ensure that everyone, regardless of income or background, has a space to enjoy the great outdoors.

Let’s continue supporting our parks and striving to make Memphis a better place for all its residents!