parks and neighborhoods

The Official Newsletter of the City of Memphis Division of Parks and Neighborhoods

OlympianCullen Jones visits BickfordMake a Splash Midsouth wins video contest

Inaugural Track and Field

Day Wins big

Fletcher Creek

Memphis Music Commission UnpluggedBrings Memphis Music to trolley experience

P a r k s & N e i g h b o r h o o d s

Features: City Wins Operation Feed - Training Camp for Dads - MAS Logo Contest - Track & Field Day - World’s Largest Swim Lesson - Memphis wins NUSA Award

Bridging the Gap Between Parks and Neighborhoods

Fall 2012

City of Memphis Parks and Neighborhoods

Number of Sites 25 Number of Campers 1865

Cost per child $162.00 Ages of Campers 5-15

Summer CampTHE NUMBERS

Campers at Davis Community Center enjoy one of many field trips.

Jesse Turner Park recently

received a $10K grant based

on votes it earned through the

national Sprite Spark Parks Project

initiative, which refreshes courts in

public parks and recreation centers

throughout the country.

Voting in the Sprite Spark Parks

Project, a joint program from Sprite

and the National Recreation and

Park Association (NRPA), took

place between March 28 – May

31 on SpriteSparkParks.com.

Thanks to the 27,264 votes it re-

ceived, Jesse Turner Park which

is located at 1250 South Parkway,

East has been awarded a grant

that will be used to fund a few

updates to the basketball court.

“We would like to thank

everyone who supported Jes-

se Turner Park in the Sprite

Spark Parks Project,” said

John Norman, Coca-Cola

Refreshments Distribution Cen-

ter Manager. “The court will soon

be a cleaner, safer, more fun

place to play and we can’t wait

to see our young local basketball

players using it to hone their

skills.”

“Basketball courts such as

Jesse Turner Park are among the

best places teens can go to be

physically active, improve their

health and have fun with friends,”

said Janet P. Hooks, Director of

the Division of Parks & Neighbor-

hoods. “The overwhelming par-

ticipation in the Sprite Spark Parks

Project proved that the preserva-

tion of vital public spaces like bas-

ketball courts is important to peo-

ple everywhere, and that is a great

thing to see.”

SPRITE SPARK PARKS

E-mail: [email protected]

Facebook: Parks and Neighborhoods Memphis Library Memphis Music Commission Friends of Memphis Animal Services Memphis Community Affairs Memphis Museums Memphis Botanic Garden Memphis Zoo Brooks Museum

Twitter: @MEMparks_nbhds @ MemphisLibrary @MusicCommission @MemphisMuseums @MemphisBotanic @MemphisZoo @BrooksMuseum

Web: www.parks.memphistn.gov www.memphislibrary.org www.memphismusic.org www.memphismuseums.org www.memphisbotanicgarden.com www.memphiszoo.org www.brooksmuseum.org

with Olympian Cullen Jones

Welcome to the City of Memphis Parks and Neighborhoods quarterly news-

magazine! It is my hope that you find this information both informative and help-

ful as you learn about our newly consolidated Division. Parks and Neighborhoods

consists of six service centers: Memphis Public Library System, Memphis Music

Commission, Memphis and Shelby County Office of Re-entry, Office of Community Affairs,

Memphis Animal Services, and Parks which includes golf courses, community

centers, museums and parks.

It is an exciting time to be a part of government as there are many wonderful things

happening around our city. Highlighted in this issue and just to name a few are

Olympian Cullen Jones’ visit to Bickford

Aquatic Center, Memphis Music Commission’s

Trolley Unplugged, Baptist Women’s Hospi-

tal’s Health and Wellness Series held at the

Memphis Public Library, and our newest addi-

tion to the parks roster Fletcher Creek Park.

We also have plenty of classes and many

opportunities that promote wellness and still al-

low you to have fun. Our senior centers and community centers offer great activities,

and the parks, ball fields, pools, and trails afford you with a diverse set of recreational

options.

Our goal is to create thriving communities that enhance our neighborhoods through peo

ple, services, programs, parks, and facilities, and we strive to give our citizens the best

amenities that we can offer. As you flip through these pages, I hope you are filled with the

same excitement that I have and become encouraged to get involved. Whether you live

here or are just a visitor, we invite you to take advantage of the many services we provide.

Also, feel free to e-mail your thoughts, comments, ideas, suggestions, or good news to

[email protected].

Yours in Service,

Janet P. Hooks, Director

Director Hooks with her friends Bentley and Ceasar

Parks and Neighborhoods

Division of Parks and Neighborhoods Janet P. Hooks, Director

Deputy Directors Dr. LaSonya Hall

Joseph LeeLarry Smith

Produced by the Office of Public Relations

Allison J. Fouche’ Editor-in-Chief

Design and Layout

Contributors: Justice Bolden

Toni Holmon-Turner Nika Jackson

Christina McClain Jackie Trenthem Stephanie White

Message from the Director’s Bench

Liberty Bowl getsupgrade

Upgrades include: the tenth largest college digital

video board, along with a new artificial turf field,

new lighting and extensive repainting.

Summer in Memphis is a wonderful time of the year. I personally

love the warm weather as well as the various activities the city has

to offer. Since I recently relocated back to Memphis, I wanted to

develop a new relationship with the city I call home. Like many Mem-

phians, I enjoy the local parks, the festivals, cultural events as well

as the variety of food served in local eateries. But most of all I love

listening to some good music!

In my quest to renew my relationship with Memphis, I heard that

the Memphis Music Commission and the Memphis Area Transit

Authority (MATA) have partnered together to bring citizens live music

while enjoying historic downtown and riverside scenery called:

“Memphis Trolley Unplugged”.

Since Friday, June 22nd , local artists played on the Main Street

Trolley Monday - Friday during lunch, Noon - 1.30 p.m., and on the

Riverfront Loop Trolley, Friday - Saturday evenings, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

The Main Street Trolley can be accessed between Auction Avenue

and G.E. Patterson Avenue, while the Riverfront Loop Trolley offers

a 2.5 mile route of outstanding views of the Mississippi River and

Main Street.

Listening for the trolley was easy, it’s the only one with singing,

dancing and of course live music! It’s Memphis Music on the Move

with local artists who sing, play instruments and who really know

how to entertain an audience. Whether it’s down home blues, heart-

felt gospel or that good ole’ southern rock- n- roll, each artist brought

excitement, inspiration and joy to each trolley ride. This experience

also contributed and is one of the many reasons why Memphis is my

city of choice.

My experience included, Robert and Candace Mache. Their

performance really got the passengers involved. The Mem-

phis Music Commission also had giveaways and trivia for pas-

sengers, as they enjoyed a hot day in downtown Memphis.

Next season, I advise getting a daily pass to enjoy Memphis Trolley

Unplugged and all of the wonderful hidden gems here in the city. Trol-

ley fares range from $1 single base fare to a $3 daily pass.

For more information about the Memphis Music Commis-

sion, you can like them on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

Robert and

Candace Mache have a

jam session

Me mphi s Tr o l l ey Unp lug ge d By Chr is t ina McCla in

Me mphi s Tr o l l ey Unp lug ge d By Chr is t ina McCla in

World’s Largest Swim Lesson Hickory Hill Community Center summer campers participated in helping set a Guinness Book World Record for the “World’s Largest Swim Lesson”.

One hundred and twenty swimmers from Memphis participated and over 23,000 participants from 14 countries on 5 continents simultaneously par-ticipated on June 14, 2012.

Swimmers at Hickory Hill Community Center

24,995

41,428 43,580

64,282

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Aquatics Attendance

Summer Season

Summer Season Aquatics

Attendance up 48%

Aquatics Attendance

Memphis Public Library


I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for ICE CREAM!

I Scream, You Scream, We All

Scream for ICE CREAM (in

a Bag)! With temperatures

soaring into the high nineties

and the heat index feeling

as though the temperature is higher,

people were looking for ways to stay

cool. At the Cherokee Branch Library,

customers learned how to make a fa-

vorite treat with plastic bags, rock salt,

vanilla extract, and some ice cubes.

Queen Edwards with the Coopera-

tive Extension Program taught partici-

pants how to make ice cream. So, how

do you make this ice cream? Not sure

whether to give away the secret, but it

involves two separate plastic zip lock

bags, some sugar, some half and half,

some vanilla extract, some rock salt,

and some ice cubes.

Once the ingredients were com-

bined, they were not placed in a

freezer to await the mixture to solidi-

fy. No – the eager ice cream eaters

took the mixture on top of ice cubes

inside of a plastic bag wrapped in

newspaper for about five minutes

and voila – ice cream was made!

The beauty of making what Ms.

Edwards introduced as “Ice Cream in

a Bag” is the ease of clean up. Once

the ice cream is gone, just discard the

newspaper and put your ingredients

away.

For more information about other

library events and programs, visit

www.memphislibrary.org

Photo credit Vermont Storywalk project

StoryWalk The Friends of the Library have

earmarked $2,000 to bring Storywalk

® to Overton Park. StoryWalk® is an

exciting initiative that combines a chil-

dren’s story with a popular walking

route. Promoting literacy and physical

fitness, pages from a book are post-

ed at stations along the route as you

walk.

The experience is free and open to

the public. StoryWalk® was developed

in September 2007 by Anne Ferguson,

a volunteer with the Vermont Bicycle &

Pedestrian and aligns perfectly with

the No Child Left Inside philosophy that

stresses the vital importance of recon-

necting children with the natural world.

More details are underway

about this exciting initiative.

Memphis Public Library

Memphis wins NUSA Best Neighborhood Program Award

By Nika Jackson

On Saturday, June 30th

families from across the city

gathered at the University of

Memphis’ Fogelman Executive

Center for Mayor A C Wharton,

Jr.’s 2nd Annual Training Camp

for Dads. The fun-filled day

was dedicated to educating,

engaging and empowering lo-

cal fathers through interactive

workshops, training sessions

and a resource expo. The

day ended with a Hall of Fame

Dads Awards Luncheon hosted

by WMC-TV Action News 5’s

Andrew Douglas and Hallelu-

jah FM’s Michael Adrian Davis.

Over 250 people were

present at the luncheon to cel-

ebrate local fathers and father

figures, and hear the Mayor’s

personal story reflecting on the

responsibilities fathers face.

The luncheon was capped off

with every man present sign

ing a fatherhood resolution

signifying their united purpose

in serving as caregivers to not

only their children, but also chil-

dren in the greater community.

Hall of Fame award recipients

included: Andrew Brunson,

Clyde Dortch, Christopher

Hart, Frank Holmes, USN Com-

mander Bradley Meeks, and

Reverend Samuel “Billy” Kyles.

The event, organized by

the Office of Community Af-

fairs, was made possible

through the generosity of

Families Matter, Le Bonheur

Children’s Hospital, The

Urban Child Institute, and

United Healthcare. On-site

childcare was provided by

Shelby County Head Start.

Memphis Neighborhood leaders and representatives proudly

display the first place award they won at the 2012 Neigh-

borhoods USA (NUSA) Conference for Best Neighborhood

Program.

The group won the award for “Ready Shelby/Neighbor-

hoods”, which is an innovative approach to prepare Memphis

neighborhoods for disaster and emergencies.

Training Camp for Dads

Community Affairs

NATIONAL NIGHT OUTChildren enjoying the bounce house during

National Night Out at Bickford Community Center.


Fletcher Creek Despite the rain, on Saturday July 14, 2012 Mayor A C Wharton, Jr.. Councilman Bill Boyd and Parks and Neighborhoods Director Janet P. Hooks, conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Fletcher Creek Park in the Chimneyrock neighborhood.

This 22 acre park, located at the corner of Dexter and Chimneyrock, features a pavilion with picnic area, a walking trail, playground with an open free play area for multi-purpose use, 140 new trees and an observation deck overlooking Fletcher Creek.

Fletcher Creek Park History

Shelby County Government through the Shelby County Conservation Board purchased the • 22 acre parcel in 1974 for use as parkland.

Shelby County Conservation Board hired a planning consultant – Dugan Design Group (DDG) in 2001 to • develop a Master Plan for park property.

Shelby County Conservation Board approved Master Plan by DDG in fall of 2003. •

Shelby County transferred the property to City of Memphis in 2006 following the annexation of • the Countrywood area, with stipulation of a minimum $1,000,000 investment in improvements.

City of Memphis allocated $144,000 for architecture and engineering in July 2007 (FY08 ). •

Planning staff started its process in September 2007 with neighborhood meeting in Cordova. At this meet-• ing the community requested that the name be changed from Countrywood Park to Fletcher Creek Park.

City of Memphis allocated $1,560,000 for construction in July 2008 (FY09) •

Park design out to bid in April of 2011. •

Wagner General Contractor awarded the contract. •

Park construction started in August of 2011. •

Park completed in July of 2012.•

The Memphis Parks & Neighborhoods Athletics Department is

excited about the upcoming 2012 Fall Soccer Season as it looks to

expand the game of soccer throughout the Memphis area. “Last fall

we registered approximately 500 youth participants for Fall Soccer,

and we are looking to build on that. It is important we expose Memphis

youth to the health and wellness benefits of soccer”, says Jackie Tren-

them, manager of the Athletic Department. The six week program is

designed to increase physical fitness, teach the fundamentals of soc-

cer, and build self-confidence and discipline within youth participants.

Fall soccer registration is $50.00 and includes: a soccer uniform, cer-

tificate of participation, practice instruction, skills clinics, regular sea-

son games, and an individual postseason trophy.

The Athletic Department is also focused on volunteer coach de-

velopment, as it offers coaches certification and on-field training to all

new and returning coaches. As a part of the coaches’ development

program, the Athletics Department invites other experienced soccer

coaches from around the area to mentor coaches both on and off the

field and provide suggestions on how to get the best out of their play-

ers. Second year Coach Brooks Stevenson thinks the program is ex-

cellent for volunteers looking to learn new ways to motivate players,

“The coaching development program was very informative and it gave

me tips on things to do during practice, as well as the importance of

keeping the kids moving. If the kids are not having fun, then I’m not

doing my job”. Coaches and players seem eager to kick off the 2012

Fall Soccer Season. “They really enjoyed last season and they’re

already itching to play this season” says second year coach, Andre

Reed.

The soccer program provides a glimpse into ways the Athletic De-

partment plans to fight issues plaguing the community such as child-

hood obesity and a lack of physical activity. The program is an excel-

lent way to keep kids in shape while having fun. While the goal is to

increase physical fitness and fight childhood obesity, ultimately we are

achieving both, and the kids are having fun while doing it.

For questions please call the Memphis Parks & Neighborhoods

Athletic Department at (901) 767-4580.

ks & Neigh

Memphis Parks & Neighborhoods Athletic Department Exposes Memphis Youth to Soccer

By: Justice Bolden, Athletics Specialist

June 16, 2012 - March 8, 2013

Quotable:

“As a child growing up in Memphis, I enjoyed visiting our city’s parks with my family and friends. For many people, the most cherished childhood memories are connected with park activities. Parks continue to be one of Memphis’s greatest attractions where families can spend quality time together!” - Janas Jackson

Ready, Set, Go !Summer Day Camp Track & Field MeetAthletic Department and Summer Camp Collaborative wins big with Memphis youth

Just in time for the Olympics, on

June 27th, eighteen of the City’s Com-

munity Center Day Camps converged

at Halle Stadium to participate in the

first ever Day Camp Track and Field

Meet.

A collaborative effort between the Ath-

letic Department and the Summer Day

Camp Committee, each camp was al-

lowed to enter a maximum of 12 par-

ticipants.

There were a total of 46 events of-

fered in four age divisions 7-8 boys/

girls. 9-10 boys/girls, 11-12 boys/girls

and 13-15 boys/girls. All were track

events, except for the softball throw

and the standing long jump. There

were approximately 219 camp-

ers registered and each could enter

three events.

This event was a huge success in

part to our volunteers. Without the

energy and efforts of Lonnie Lewis,

the meet would have been in serious

jeopardy of failing. Lonnie served as

the starter for all track events and

kept everything running smoothly.

Kristine Strickland assisted with the

track, getting participants ready for

the races. Debra Tate assisted in

the softball throw. Linda Bates and

Jameka Ward held down the awards

tent and recording of results. Toni

Holmon-Turner and Rick Williams

kept the refreshment tables replen-

ished with energy bars, bananas,

oranges, as well as monitoring water

intake for the camp-

ers. Lewis Burton

was ready to assist

with any request for

the campers and vol-

unteers.

A sincere thanks

to Eumecca Long

and Margaret Fluck-

ers for preparing

lunch and transport-

ing it to the event.

All said and done,

the meet was fun and all camp-

ers seemed to have a good time

and enjoyed the competitions.

By Jackie Trenthem, Manager Athletics

CrICkeT ClInICThree clinics were scheduled•

11 community centers were scheduled •

to attend

Instructed by members of the •

Memphis Cricket Club

Clinics were held at cricket field at the •

Hickory Hill Community Center

STreeT HOCkey ClInICFour clinics were held •

11 community centers attended•

Instructed by the Memphis Ice Hockey •

Team through University of Memphis

Clinics held at Tiger Lane and Bert •

Ferguson Community Center

MEMPHIS ANIMAL SERVICES - POSITIVE OUTCOMES (2009-2012)

Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. TOTALPos. Outcomes (2012) 227 258 293 229 296 307 282 1892Pos. Outcomes (2011) 240 265 298 357 289 276 307 285 394 295 162 236 3404Pos. Outcomes (2010) 195 226 254 241 262 270 194 224 241 272 193 204 2776Pos. Outcomes (2009) 222 279 222 226 215 201 201 212 242 219 164 211 2614

k

Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.Adoption (2012) 173 192 190 164 193 219 185Adoption (2011) 130 183 169 107 145 149 163 187 247 207 91 180

Adoption (2010) 133 165 142 109 114 156 121 136 154 156 116 114Adoption (2009) 135 151 147 129 122 107 129 120 124 131 86 125

0

50

100

150

200

250

Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

Adoption (2012)

Adoption (2011)

Adoption (2010)

Adoption (2009)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

Pos. Outcomes (2012)





MAS Adoptions up 25.8% To date, Memphis Animal Shelter Adoptions for 2012 are up resulting in more positive outcomes for our four- legged citizens. To adopt a pet, call 901-636-1430.

Help Memphis Animal Services select its new Logo

MAS Statistical Overview (Jan - July 2012)

Recently, three agencies, the

Shelby County Division of Correc-

tions, the City of Memphis Second

Chance Program and the Tennes-

see Board of Probation and Parole,

combined resources to assist incar-

cerated felons get life-skills train-

ing, find employment and improve

their lives after release from prison.

On May 30, 2012, the Memphis &

Shelby County Office of Re-entry

opened its doors, located at 600 Ad-

ams. This Office will provide seam-

less services for individuals seeking

a second opportunity at gainful em-

ployment and become productive

citizens . The idea for the joint office

originated with the Operation: Safe

Community initiative. The pilot pro-

gram will provide services for 200

inmates, all within six months to one

year of release from six West Ten-

nessee prisons. Selection for par-

ticipation in the program is based on

a rigid criterion.

For more information, please call 222-4556.

Memphis and Shelby County Office of Re-entry

In an effort to project an image more consistent with the

organization’s mission, goals and values, Memphis Ani-

mal Services is asking you to help in the selection of its

new logo.

Visit the City of Memphis website to vote for

your favorite.

The winner may adopt any animal that is available at

MAS within 30 days after the announcement of the win-

ner, a month’s supply of pet food and a $50.00 PETCO

gift card, sponsored by Friends of Memphis Animal Ser-

vices.

Building Futures Parks and Neighborhoods has a great partnership with Building Fu-

tures, Inc., a non-profit organization, to serve nutritious snacks and meals

approved through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This partnership will allow us to serve over 1,200 youth participants

daily throughout the city of Memphis ages 18 and under at our 24 com-

munity centers. The major benefits of this program is not just to feed hungry

kids, but it allows our staff to engage children in structured activities and

programs after school.

........And Swimming

Members of the University of Memphis football, soccer, volleyball, basketball and tennis teams interacted and played games with campers. The event was the "kick-off" to their partnership with local communities.

Senior CenterFloyd Brown, Director

Vanessa Ford, Asst. Director

Community CenterKristine Strickland, Director

Whether it’s a school supply drive or a line danc-ing class, Orange Mound Community Service Center

knows how to meet the needs of the community it serves and provides programming that is often filled to capacity.

Spotlight: Orange Mound Community Complex

The Karate team participated in the Southern Martial Art Tournament in Greenwood, Mississippi and won 11 first place, 4 second place, and 2 third place awards. The Instructor won grand prize for black belts, in the 18 and older division and won 2 second place and 2 first place awards.


Cullen Jones

--- In Mem-

phis, four-

time Olympic

medalist Cul-

len Jones led a youth rally with

approximately 100 children

from KIPP Memphis Collegiate

Elementary School at the Bick-

ford Aquatic Center. He shared

his personal story about nearly

drowning when he was five

and discussed the impact the

sport had on his life, includ-

ing his recent Olympic experi-

ence. The Memphis tour stop

also included a semi-private

swim lesson for several local

kids at the Fogleman Down-

town YMCA. Memphis won the

visit from Olympian Jones after

creating a video in the USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash for Water Safety contest. The video received hundreds of thousands of

votes to secure Jones’ visit and the $5,000 grant for Splash Mid-South. “Every child in America needs to learn how to swim. It is a critical

skill that can determine the difference between life and death in a matter of seconds,” said Jones, the first African-American male to hold a

world record in swimming. “Drowning is an epidemic, but it’s an epidemic with a cure. That is why I am so proud to be working with Phillips

66 and the USA Swimming Foundation to educate parents, children and caregivers about the learn-to-swim resources available in their

communities. By raising awareness and providing the opportunity for more kids to learn to swim, we are saving lives.”

Mid-South Food Bank Operation Feed

Only winning the award once in the 21 year history of the competition, City of Memphis employees brought Mayor Wharton the “Mayor’s Plate”, for only the second time since 2002.

A friendly competition between City and County governments, the Food Bank awards this trophy to the en-tity that raises the greatest number of points. Congratulations and thanks to all of the employees who helped us “Feed the Need” in Memphis.

Mayor Wharton graciously receives the Mayor’s Plate from Food Bank President & CEO Estella Mayhue-Greer.

Olympian Comes to Town

Happenings

Memphis Public LibraryCentral Library 3030 Poplar

BANNED BOOKS WEEK

Sept. 30th - October 6, 2012

Hooks Central Library

BOOKSTOCK

October 6th


The COLLEGE GAMES

November 16th

Memphis area college fair


WRITEMEMPHIS

Poetry Slam Workshops

November and December

Memphis Botanic Garden 750 Cherry Rd.

A Bats Campfire PartyOctober 12th6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Halloween HikeOctober 27th 2012 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Dream Team presents Design Your Own BackyardOctober 27th9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Snowy Nights in My Big BackyardFridays & Saturdays, November 23rd –December 15th, Daily, December 17-29 (excluding Christmas Eve & Day.)

Breakfast with Santa December 1, 2012

Memphis Animal Services2350 Appling City Cove

YAPPY HOUR

Every Thursday

Community Centers Central Defense Security Job Fairsnoon - 3:00 p.m.October 2nd RaleighOctober 5th Bert Ferguson Frayser Fall Festival 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.October 6, 2012Ed Rice Community Center

Lester Job Fair October 12, 2012 10:00am - 2:00pmLester Community Center Basketball ClinicOctober 20, 2012 10-00am - 2-00pmEd Rice Community Center

Halloween October 31st Contact your local community center for details.

Memphis Thanksgiving Dinner for the Hungry and Homeless Thanksgiving, November 22ndMemphis Cook Convention Center

Pink Palace Family of Museums 3050 Central

Pink Palace Crafts FairOctober 12, 13, 14Audubon Park

Lichterman Nature Center Branching OUT and Scarecrows Exhibit Thru - November 16, 2012

The Mallory-Neely HouseReopens November 9th

SHARPE PLANETARIUM Autumn Night and Bad AstronomyThru November 16th

CTI IMAXTornado Alley thru November 16th

To the ArcticJune 16, 2012 – March 8, 2013

EXHIBITSWomen of Strength, Women of Color thru October 14th

Elvis at 21: Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer thru October 14th

Memphis Celebrates King CottonThru October 21st

ZOO BOOOctober 19, 20, 26, 27 and 28

Executive Summary

For those concerned that green spaces may fostercrime and illegal activity, evidence now exists that theopposite may be true.When adjacent to residentialareas, green spaces have been shown to create neigh-borhoods with fewer violent and property crimes and where neighbors tend to support and protectone another. These are the findings of scientists at the Human-Environment Research Laboratory of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign whostudied green space alongside public housing inChicago. Other researchers who are conducting similarstudies across the country are finding similar results.

The factors that explain these findings emphasize the importance of greenery in community and personalwellness.Time spent in natural surroundings relievesmental fatigue, which in turn relieves inattentiveness,irritability, and impulsivity, recognized by psychologists asprecursors to violence. Green spaces also support frequent, casual contact among neighbors.This leads tothe formation of neighborhood social ties, the buildingblocks of strong, secure neighborhoods where peopletend to support, care about, and protect one another.

Key Point #1Time spent in nature immediately adjacent to homehelps people to relieve mental fatigue, reducingaggression.

Key Point #2Green residential spaces are gathering places whereneighbors form social ties that produce stronger,safer neighborhoods.

Key Point #3Barren spaces are more frightening to people andare more crime prone than parks landscaped withgreenery and open vistas.

Key Point #4In order to make the best use of greenery andopen space, it must be positively incorporated intoa community's design.

04

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