Shelby Farms

We got a chance to go by the main library today and see the three proposals for Shelby Farms. (Imagine that--public input!) In addition to giant poster boards, there are dioramas and an informational video. I learned that at one time Shelby Farms was a giant forest that was cut down to create farmland. Later that farmland was almost turned into a commercial development site, but a group of citizens banded together to make the area a park and protect it from prospectors.


Now, thanks to the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, we have three really incredible designs for the area that will benefit the residents of Shelby County and put Memphis on the map for something other than the Blues, BBQ, and bankruptcy.

From the Memphis Flyer:

Plans from all three firms -- Tom Leader Studio, Hargreaves Associates, and Field Operations -- were inspired by trends in "green" environmentally-friendly design. Each puts some focus on restoring waterways and encouraging on-site organic food production.

Tom Leader Studio is proposing a solar farm that would utilize sun energy to run all Shelby Farms' facilities. Their plan would also restore natural streams and divert their flow into the Wolf River. That water would be used to irrigate organic food crops and native grasses used in the creation of biofuels. Under the Leader plan, public art would be installed by artists-in-residence who would live onsite for six months. The plan also calls for a new amphitheater with studio space for musicians and an on-site restaurant specializing in healthy food.

Hargreaves Associates plans to turn Shelby Farms Park into Shelby Lakes Park by creating new streams using water from the Wolf River. The end result would consist of 10 miles of waterways that could be used for canoeing, kayaking, and other recreational activities. The plan would also create a new sports center with fields for outdoor sports, such as track and football, and space for indoor sports.

The Field Operations plan includes a 100-acre orchard for apples, peaches, figs, and cherries to be sold at the on-site farmers' market. An Art Mound would be developed on the west end of the park for public art installations, and the plan includes a Shelby Farms Charter School. Patriot Lake would be expanded, and goats, llamas, and additional bison would be added to the existing range area.


I was really impressed with the designs. I think that any one of them would be fantastic. However, The Shelby Farms Park Conservancy has the right to use any of the ideas presented in any combination that they want. Therefore they are asking the public to give them input on what they do and don't like about each design.

Don't miss this opportunity to have your say! The plans are on display at the Central Library and Cossitt Library now and will be available for viewing at the Shelby Farms Visitors Center beginning March 17. They can also be viewed on the Shelby Farms website. The questionnaire is also available online. (Due to the detail involved, I recommend trying to see the plans in person.)