Congressman Cohen Celebrates $3 Million Federal Investment to Improve Overton Park and the Memphis Zoo

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today spoke at the fence-cutting and dedication of the new trail through the newly re-opened 17 acres of old growth forest in Overton Park for which he secured $3 million in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding. The grant also solved a longstanding Memphis Zoo parking challenge by protecting the Overton Park Greensward. The improvements resulting from the federal funding will open a walking path and more access to a beautiful part of Memphis as well as provide a solution to Memphis Zoo visitors parking on the Greensward. Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Matt Thompson of the Memphis Zoo, in their remarks, thanked and praised Congressman Cohen and said the $3 million project would not have been possible without his support in Washington.

More than 150 park supporters and neighbors were present for the announcement and were the first to walk the new trail.

In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said in part:

“When I grew up, Overton Park was the center of my life. We went to the zoo and we loved the zoo. We had lots of wonderful times there…

“The parking controversy pained me because two of my favorite institutions were at war and some of my favorite people were, so I wanted to be able to solve that… 

“This is the center of Memphis and will continue to be the center of Memphis. I am most happy when I can provide things for my district that I love and for our city. Thank you very much.”

See the congressman’s entire remarks here.

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