Frequently Asked Questions
A Master Plan will allow us to anticipate and control changes to the park in ways that respect the natural environment and make the best use of our resources. The park changes all the time and has been changing constantly throughout its history. First it was a forest, then a penal farm and now a park. All the lakes and ponds at the park are man-made. Forests have been cleared; elements have been added. But none of it happened according to a plan.
Does the Master Plan call for the land to be sold or developed commercially?
It does not. The park is a park forever. In December of 2006, the Shelby County Commission placed a conservation easement on the park, protecting it as a park and ending decades-old conversations about harmful development. The conservation easement prohibits commercial development and development that is not park or recreation related. None of the park land may be bought or sold.
Can you summarize in a few thoughts what the Master Plan addresses?
In summary, the Plan can be best expressed in four strategies. They are: 1) To Create an Identity and Clarify Access - make the park more understandable, accessible, welcoming and user friendly to our citizens. 2) Plant 1,000,000 New Trees - improving boundary and special elements; diversify, improve and expand the ecology; screen out undesirable qualities like vehicular sound, thus improving the feeling of escape and openness; and creating a sense of community engagement through the planting itself. 3) Define 12 landscape rooms - enhancing the feeling of place and purpose for distinct uses, while at the same time taking advantage of the vastness of the park overall. 4) Concentrate Programs and Facilities - concentrating facilities and programs is both practical and critical in maintaining the vast landscapes and uses already beloved within the park.
Is the way I use the park going to be threatened?
All the current uses of the park will continue, though designated users areas might shift. Through our public input process, we asked how people were currently using the park and how their experiences can be enhanced. Many users had great ideas to improve their experience at the park. All of that public input is reflected in the Master Plan.
How does this Master Plan fit with the Conservation Easement?
The Plan and its various elements are all consistent with the easement intent and direction.
How much money will the Master Plan cost, and who pays for it?
The features the Master Plan calls for will be phased, much like the successful model of the Memphis Zoo. The Conservancy will raise private and public dollars to fund portions of the Master Plan. To a great degree, costs will fluctuate depending on what part of the Plan is implemented when.
How long will it take to implement the Master Plan once it is completed?
The Master Plan will be implemented in phases, much like the Memphis Zoo's plan. The length of time will depend on the time required to raise funds. The Master Plan is designed so that some big, bold and practical impact improvements can be made right away, making the park more attractive to more people seeking a relaxing refuge from the city life. Through phasing we will be able to develop some core elements and then progress on other projects based on funding and desire.
Were efforts made to reach out to diverse communities for their input and to engage them in the Master Plan?
Yes. Throughout the process the Conservancy made it a point to host meetings in geographic locations convenient to all citizens of Shelby County. In each case the meetings were heavily promoted. In addition, private meetings were held with a diverse cross section of interest groups and neighborhoods. Shelby Farms Park belongs to all the citizens of Shelby County. As such, a 4,500 acre park in the middle of a major city needs to accomplish a lot. Increasing use of the park by diverse communities and providing ways for all the citizens of Shelby County to be able to enjoy the park is a key tenet of the Conservancy's philosophy. Parks have a great capacity to bring people together, for free and as equals.
How will the Master Plan affect the Wolf River Greenway and the existing CSX rail line/potential future greenline?
The Master Plan incorporates the emerging and existing greenways in and around the park and facilitates the stitching together of our city through parks and greenways.
How will the Master Plan affect Shelby Farms Parkway (Kirby/Whitten Road) and Walnut Grove Road?
The Master Plan cannot change the existence, potential expansion or purposes of these two vital vehicular roadways. What the Plan does is address the landscaping, site lines and overall feel of these roadways, while at the same time addressing treatments that can help stitch the park back together, over both Walnut Grove Road and the new Shelby Farms Parkway. This includes designs for a green bridge and non-vehicular circuits to address Walnut Grove and pertains to bike, horse and pedestrian access to various parts of the park.
Won't the million trees element of the Plan make the park too full?
The million trees will be strategically used for screening the park from road noise, supporting the existing forests, enhancing the vistas and can help visually bring the two sides of Walnut Grove together. We should also keep in mind that the planting is mostly saplings that can be transplanted around the park as needed or even serve as a source of trees for use elsewhere in Shelby County.
How will you produce revenue?
The current revenue generators at the park are the horse stables, peddle boats and facilities rentals. The Master Plan calls for new revenue producers in addition to the current ones. Shelby County Government has committed to continuing its current yearly support of the park. We will also generate revenue through naming rights, memberships, grants and donations.
Will there be an entrance fee to the park?
No entrance fee to the park will be charged. There might be some facilities in the park that charge a user fee.
Will the Master Plan harm the natural ecosystems and resources of the park?
No. The Master Plan addresses issues of sustainability and protecting the natural environment. The Master Plan lays out plans for better management of our natural resources like our forests and our water, while not just preserving but enhancing the open spaces and vistas that our citizens love.
I am still worried that the Master Plan will fill the park up and take away the openness and natural character that I love.
Don't worry. Of the 4,500 acres of the park, 300 are part of area 10 and under the control of the County not the Conservatory. So, looking at the remaining 4,200 acres (including those operated by Agricenter), after all elements of the Master Plan are completed, 4,070 are still made up of open water, wetlands, fields and grasslands and woodland. This is only 65 acres less than the park has now. That change addresses critically needed enhancements to park circulation, services and parking (all strategically designed to be secluded and unobtrusive to the park user).
Will the Master Plan make it easier to get to the park by means other than a car?
Yes. The Master Plan addresses connections to the emerging and existing parks and greenways and includes ways for people to enter and get around the park without a car. The Master Plan also proposes greater use of public transportation to bring more citizens to the park.
What will the cost be to operate the park?
The final Master Plan, complete with phasing, will now serve as the foundation of our business plan. With the Master Plan approved, a detailed financial plan can be completed. The Master Plan outlines costs and revenue generation.
Will the park be in competition with surrounding recreational facilities?
The role of the park is not to compete with other facilities but rather to complement, enhance and enrich the community with unique recreational opportunities.
Does the Master Plan address how I get around once I'm in the park?
Yes, the Master Plan has a detailed section on getting around the park. A key element in use of the Park is both the ability to navigate its large size and to have defined and identifiable icons for the area each user is looking for. The Master Plan goes into great detail on internal circulation and transportation, signage, identity, parking and trail/path systems that make the park easier to understand and use by everyone. This includes improving bike, horse and pedestrian accessibility over roads and stitching the park together in a way that feels both vast and comfortable. A 4,500 park gives you a large place to play but can also be intimidating.
How will what happens at Shelby Farms affect me?
No matter where you live or work, Shelby Farms Park has the potential to be your community living room and playground. Shelby Farms Park is a 4,500 acre green treasure in the center of Memphis, growing close to the center of Shelby County. Great cities have great parks. Cities across the country are making record investments in parks and green space because they know it pays off. The park has an opportunity to transform our city into a place that has a truly iconic park.
