Memphis Medical District development: work begins on long-panned Morris Park updates

By Corinne S. Kennedy, Memphis Commercial Appeal

One of Memphis' most prominent parks is about to get a facelift. 

Officials from the city of Memphis, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) ceremonially broke ground Monday morning on the long-awaited redevelopment of Morris Park.

MMDC President Rory Thomas said updates to the park, bordered by Poplar and Washington avenues and Orleans and Manassas streets, will help create the atmosphere people who live and work in the area want to see. 

"People want cleaner, greener and more vibrant public spaces. They want to improve the quality of life, and they want to be part of an inclusive community," he said. "It already was a good park. But why have a good park where you can have a great one?"

The $1.5 million upgrades, a joint venture between the city of Memphis and the Community Redevelopment Agency, include renovated basketball courts and play equipment as well as new landscaping and sidewalks and tables that will be accessible for individuals with physical disabilities.