Memphis is once again making waves, this time with its riverfront receiving international acclaim. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has bestowed a Professional Award on Tom Lee Park, while the park also secured a prestigious SITES certification for sustainability. Both honors underscore the park’s transformative impact on the city’s landscape and position Memphis as a leader in innovative, sustainable urban design.
A Global Stage for Urban Design
Tom Lee Park stands tall among global urban design giants. Winning an honors award from the ASLA, the park is in esteemed company with projects from across the world, including China, Thailand, and New York City. The park’s redesign has elevated Memphis’ reputation, making the riverfront not just a local favorite but a point of international pride. This honor cements the park’s place as a landmark for modern, sustainable urban design.
What’s particularly exciting about the ASLA award is its significance for urban spaces. These awards are reserved for projects that improve the health, safety, and beauty of outdoor places, and Tom Lee Park does just that. From its sprawling green spaces to its unique play areas and cultural installations, it offers a space for Memphians and visitors alike to experience the Mississippi River in an entirely new way. The park is a shining example of what’s possible when communities and designers work hand-in-hand to rethink public spaces.
SITES Certification: Setting a New Standard for Sustainability
Tom Lee Park is now certified under the SITES program, which highlights sustainability in the planning, design, and management of outdoor spaces. This recognition showcases the park’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity, conserving resources, and improving public health. SITES-certified projects go above and beyond in creating environments that are beneficial not only to the people who visit them but also to the ecosystems they inhabit.
The SITES designation is a major achievement for the park and for Memphis as a whole. It speaks to a broader effort by the Memphis River Parks Partnership to create spaces that are not only enjoyable but also environmentally responsible. Tom Lee Park’s design reduces water demand, filters stormwater runoff, and improves air quality—elements that are crucial in today’s fight against climate change. Memphians can take pride in knowing that their riverfront is part of a global movement toward more sustainable urban development.
More International Praise for Tom Lee Park
This isn’t the first time Tom Lee Park has garnered attention on the world stage. Earlier this year, Fast Company named the park one of the top three urban design projects in their World Changing Ideas Awards. The London Times also chimed in, calling Tom Lee Park a must-see during a visit to Memphis, highlighting it as a key stop in their 48-hour guide to America’s most fun city. The park was even included in Bilbao Metropoli 30’s list of the top 100 projects worldwide for 2023.
And it’s not just critics who are singing the park’s praises. Since reopening, Tom Lee Park has welcomed over one million visitors. Whether they’re locals enjoying a weekend stroll, families flocking to the Life on the River playground (which Mental Floss named one of the most unique playgrounds in the U.S.), or international tourists following The Times’ recommendations, it’s clear that the park has become a major attraction.
A Riverfront for Everyone
Tom Lee Park’s success is the result of the hard work and vision of the Memphis River Parks Partnership. This nonprofit has been instrumental in the revitalization of six miles of Memphis riverfront, creating spaces that attract both locals and visitors. The Partnership’s commitment to bringing the transformative power of the Mississippi River to the people of Memphis has resulted in over $80 million invested in public parks and assets along the river.
What makes Tom Lee Park truly special, though, is its deep connection to the history and people of Memphis. The park is named after Tom Lee, an African American river worker who, in 1925, saved 32 people when a steamboat capsized on the Mississippi River. Lee, who couldn’t swim, became a local hero, and the park that now bears his name is a fitting tribute to his bravery.
The park’s reopening on Labor Day weekend last year was more than just a ribbon-cutting; it was a celebration of Memphis’ resilience and creativity. And that spirit continues today, as the park draws people from all walks of life to enjoy its open spaces, playgrounds, and scenic views of the mighty Mississippi.
What’s Next for the Memphis Riverfront?
The success of Tom Lee Park is just the beginning for the Memphis River Parks Partnership. With six miles of riverfront under its management, the Partnership is committed to continuing its work in transforming the riverfront into a space for everyone to enjoy. Plans are underway to enhance other parks and public spaces along the river, ensuring that Memphis remains a leader in sustainable urban design.
For Memphians, this means even more opportunities to invest in and enjoy their city. Whether it’s through outdoor recreation, community events, or simply spending time by the river, the revitalized riverfront offers countless ways to connect with the city’s natural beauty. Tom Lee Park is proof that when we invest in our public spaces, the returns are immense—not just in terms of aesthetics, but in the sense of community and pride that they foster.
If you haven’t visited Tom Lee Park yet, now is the time. With the weather cooling down and the park’s international reputation soaring, there’s no better place to spend a sunny afternoon. Whether you’re soaking up the views of the Mississippi, playing with your kids in the Life on the River playground, or simply enjoying the fresh air, Tom Lee Park offers something for everyone. And with its ASLA award and SITES certification, you can feel good knowing that you’re visiting one of the most thoughtfully designed and sustainably built parks in the world.
Memphis’ riverfront is shining brighter than ever, and Tom Lee Park is leading the way. So grab a friend, pack a picnic, and head down to the park—you won’t be disappointed.
