The Final Update

Friends,

 

As I write to you for the last time as mayor, I wanted to leave you with something simple—pictures of the new and renovated City assets that we have completed over the last eight years. Including the Accelerate Memphis funds, we have invested over $200 million in our parks and community centers, building new ones and improving the others. For comparison, the normal amount spent in eight-years is about $40 million.

 

Gaston Community Center. Constructed in 1934, Gaston Community Center is the oldest community center in Memphis.This $4 million project included new windows that bring natural light back into the space, a new roof, new furniture and fixtures throughout the facility, a new welcome desk, and an upgraded fitness room.

 

 

In February of 2022, we cut the ribbon on a brand new, state-of-the-art Memphis Fire Department Headquarters. It’s a world-class facility for our world-class department.

 

 

The new Gaisman Community Center in Berclair was $12 million project. 

• gym
• elevated walking track
• fitness & art rooms
• computers
• new soccer fields

The New Leftwich Tennis Center. With 24 outdoor courts and 12 indoor courts, the new Leftwich is one of the largest tennis centers within hundreds of miles — and a first-class experience for both recreational and tournament players. The new $31 million Leftwich is the home of the nationally prominent University of Memphis Tiger tennis teams, as well as home base for the transformative, community-building work of Tennis Memphis.

Renasant Convention Center $200 million renovation.

Tom Lee Park $60 million renovation.

Renovation of Historic Melrose.

$70 million Memphis Sports and Event Center.

New Ed Rice Community Center.

Audubon Park Renovations.

MEM Concourse Renovation.

Two Days ago, we had an open house to look at the new Pine Hill Golf Club House.

 

 

 

 

Here is what is happening at Pine Hill:

• completely renovated golf course - opened Summer 2023
• New club house to open Spring 2024
• New driving range (first one ever at a Memphis public course) to open Summer 2024

Other projects not pictured but important to remember:

Liberty Pocket Park – 1st new city park in 20 years

Whitehaven Community Center – added a multipurpose room

5 new splash pads

14 swimming pools restored and improved

3 new fire stations

Foote Park at South City – new 712 units

Rozelle Annesdale Park refurbished

Mud Island Park

David Carnes Park

South City Park

Raleigh Library

Cossett Library

Overton Park – restored over 20 acres to public use

I Am a Man Plaza

Suffrage Monument

Ida B. Wells Plaza and Statue

All 120 developed parks received some improvements as part of Accelerate Memphis

To Come:

New Brooks Museum – Memphis Art Museum

Audubon Park Golf Course and driving range

Southwest Twin Drive-In to become Southwest Twin Town Center

Historic Melrose new library

Riverview Community Center remodel

Frayser Library

Harbor Docks

Eight Year Summary: To see a complete list of the work we have accomplished over the last eight years, go here.

As I write this Update for the last time, I want to say thank you for allowing me to be your mayor for eight years. It has been the honor of my professional life, and I am eternally grateful. May God bless our city and may God bless you all as we move forward into the new year.

Yours,