Major construction project on going at the Memphis Park after Flyway was announced to…

A groundbreaking event took place at the southern end of Tom Lee Park to kick off the construction of a new attraction offering unparalleled views of the Mississippi River. The Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) announced that The Memphis Flyway will open its doors in 2026, serving as the sole free and ADA-accessible observation deck on the Mississippi River.

With an anticipated annual visitor count exceeding 1 million, MRPP envisions The Memphis Flyway as the go-to destination for experiencing the Mississippi River along the Great River Road, spanning from its source in Minnesota to its delta at the Gulf of Mexico. Designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, the Flyway will feature a ground-supported canopy boardwalk supported by three steel mast column bundles, continuing the transformation initiated by the renovation of Tom Lee Park.

The Memphis Flyway stretches approximately 218 feet in a southeast-northwest direction, featuring a slightly curved main span of 105 feet followed by an overlook span, as described by MRPP. Beyond offering tourists an opportunity to appreciate history and attract visitors, the Flyway will also prioritize conservation efforts.

By preserving the untouched habitat below the structure, it will provide a sanctuary for various species, including the vulnerable Monarch butterfly, and allow visitors to observe over 100 bird species that migrate past the Memphis riverfront annually. Funding for this project comes from multiple sources, including the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and an anonymous donor.