Project Expands Memphis Cruise Vessel Docking Options
The Memphis Engineer District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony October 28 for its Greenbelt Landing, a park designed to improve public access to the Mississippi River.
The ribbon-cutting signified substantial completion of the $6 million project, located at the north end of Mud Island near downtown Memphis.
The project involved repairs to an existing boat ramp, construction of a new upstream boat ramp, installation of mooring features, upgrades to parking areas and additional lighting to improve safety and usability, according to the Corps. It specifically includes docking space for passenger cruise vessels and mooring features for larger riverboat cruise vessels, according to information provided by the city of Memphis on its website.
The project was funded through $3 million in Community Directed funding secured by U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen matched by $3 million in non-federal funds from the city.
Greenbelt Park is an approximately 102-acre urban public park located along the river at Mile 738. Originally constructed in the late 1960s, the park is located atop and adjacent to the Loosahatchie-Memphis Revetment, which the Corps described as a critical component of the Mississippi River and Tributaries system.
“For decades, this area has provided Memphians with direct access to more than a mile of riverfront through open green space, walking trails and a public boat ramp,” according to information provided in the program for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Corps added that the improvements build upon a historic partnership between the city of Memphis and the Corps of Engineers. The organizations broke ground on the project jointly in March.
“Together, they ensure this riverfront space continues to serve both its critical infrastructure purpose and its role as a valued community asset,” according to the program.
Speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Cohen, Col. John Morrow, commander of the Memphis District; Andrea Williams, deputy district engineer for the district’s programs and project management; James Reeder, a member of the Mississippi River Commission; Memphis Mayor Paul Young; and Kate Hackett, director of development for the Memphis River Parks Partnership.
Featured photo caption: Officials cut a ribbon to signify the substantial completion of the Greenbelt Landing project October 28 in Memphis, Tenn. The urban park provides docking space and additional mooring for passenger vessels, including larger river cruise boats. (Photo courtesy of the Memphis Engineer District)
