Overton Park

Overton Park is a large 342-acre public park located in Midtown Memphis, Tennessee. Established in 1906, it was named after John Overton, one of the founders of Memphis. The park features a diverse landscape including open meadows, formal gardens, and a 126-acre old-growth forest known as the Old Forest State Natural Area.

The Old Forest contains over 300 plant species and offers visitors a chance to explore nature through its network of trails. A 1.4-mile limestone running trail encircles part of the forest, while additional paved and unpaved paths wind through the wooded area. The forest is home to various wildlife and serves as an important urban habitat.

Overton Park houses several cultural institutions within its grounds. These include the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis College of Art, and the Levitt Shell, an open-air amphitheater that hosts free concerts. The Memphis Zoo, although technically separate, is also located within the park's boundaries.

For recreation, the park offers a 9-hole golf course, playgrounds, and sports facilities. Rainbow Lake provides a scenic spot for relaxation, while the Greensward serves as a large open area for picnics and informal games. There is also a dedicated off-leash dog park called Overton Bark.

The park has played a significant role in Memphis history, including being the subject of a landmark Supreme Court case in 1971 that helped establish protections for public parks across the United States. Today, Overton Park continues to be a beloved green space in Memphis, managed by the Overton Park Conservancy to ensure its preservation for future generations.