Gooch Park

A Piece of Memphis History

Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Gooch Park spans 10.28 acres of community space with a story to tell. Established in 1957, it holds the distinction of being among the first parks in Memphis created specifically for African American residents. The park bears the names of its founders, Cecil Milton and Boyce Alexander Gooch - local visionaries who helped create this neighborhood space.

What You'll Find There

The park is home to a lighted outdoor swimming pool that opened in 1959, however we should mention it's been temporarily closed in recent years. That same year, the park made history by hosting Memphis' first African American bicycle rodeo - a pretty cool milestone.

If you're looking to shoot some hoops, there's a basketball court with double rims waiting for your next game. For those who prefer a more relaxed visit, the park offers a walking trail great for a leisurely stroll, plus picnic areas with tables scattered throughout for impromptu lunches or planned gatherings. There are a few shelters available too, although they're limited in number.

Music lovers might appreciate knowing that Gooch Park has welcomed some legendary Memphis musicians over the years, including Elvis Presley himself, along with Yo Gotti, Gangsta Pat, and Harvey Henderson of The Barkays. The park has a connection to Memphis' musical heritage.

What to Know Before You Go

Heads up - the park currently doesn't have public restroom facilities, which is something to plan around if you're thinking of spending several hours there. Also worth noting is that the playground equipment that once brought children's laughter to the park is no longer present, making it less ideal for families with little ones.

There's a parking lot available if you're driving over. We should mention that some areas of the park could use a bit more TLC in terms of maintenance, according to community feedback.

Community Heart

Since 2015, Gooch Park has found champions in the H.U.G. Park Friends, a grassroots neighborhood organization that's taken the park under its wing. This dedicated group has worked to make the space safer and more vibrant, organizing regular community events that bring the neighborhood together.

Their initiatives range from sporting events and free lunch programs for local youth to litter cleanups and various volunteer activities. Residents have expressed a genuine desire to breathe new life into the park, particularly focusing on creating better amenities and programming for children.

Looking Ahead

Changes are coming to the park. In 2024, the City of Memphis secured a $3.3 million grant from the National Park Service to revitalize Gooch Park. The planned improvements include renovations to the walking trail, athletic field, playground, and pool.

The upgrade plans also feature enhanced lighting and measures to control erosion - all based on input from the community. If you're planning future visits, keep in mind these improvements are expected to begin in spring 2026, which will significantly update the park's facilities.