If you have lived in Midtown for any length of time, you are probably aware of the ongoing fight to “Save the Greensward.”
For decades, the Memphis Zoo has used the main lawn in the heart of the park, known as the Greensward, as an overflow parking area. Unfortunately, the beautiful days that the zoo is busiest and needs overflow parking the most are the same days that citizens would like to enjoy one of the few public green spaces in the city center. After years of debate and discussion, it appears that the end of overflow parking on the Greensward is in sight.
Unfortunately, the Memphis City Council has decided that the zoo and the Overton Park Conservancy, the nonprofit group that has led the charge to preserve the Greensward, should split the bill for the parking solution 50/50 despite huge differences in size, resources, history, level of taxpayer support, and revenue between the two organizations.
As a result of this decision, the OPC must raise $1 million by June 11. The campaign is very close, but needs our help in getting over the finish line. In order to save our historic, Midtown park from being used as a parking lot, I ask you to please join me in donating to the OPC before the June 11 deadline. Donations can be made at www.overtonpark.org. — Mark Morrison
Letter From the President: Greensward saviors rally before deadline
