Memphis Flyway's visitor attraction, economic potential for Downtown Memphis
Andrew Kiepe has been with Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) for three years as its director of development.
He's worked on the fundraising side — including the $61 million for Tom Lee Park and $10.8 million for the Memphis Flyway.
The Flyway, which is set to be unveiled early next year, is at the southern end of Tom Lee Park, where Ashburn-Coppock Park begins.
"It's naturally grown the last 30-plus years to become this very ecologically rich location that hosts a wide variety of animals right here in Downtown Memphis at that exact spot," Kiepe said.
One aim of the new Flyway is to make the Mississippi River accessible to all. To that end, it will feature an observation deck at the river — the only one of its kind on the Mississippi River.
The Flyway's design is being headed by the Chicago-based firm Studio Gang. Studio Gang recently won an award for its design of Tom Lee Park.
Kiepe said the 218 foot by 60 foot area is ever changing. Flowers may be in bloom or guests may spot a fox. Kiepe noted that 40% of all North American birds fly over that pathway every year.
There is economic potential there, according to Kiepe.
"This is my most favorite fun fact I've recently found — enthusiasts who are into bird watching or just looking for specific animals, they spend more annually than hunting and fishing combined," he said.
MRPP has a nature curriculum that teaches about natural spaces and the Mississippi River. Last year, the program saw 7,500 students.
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Andrew Kiepe of the Memphis River Parks Partnership
Memphis River Parks Partnership
Included in the Flyway is a pollinator garden. Kiepe said the garden draws insects, such as monarch butterflies.
"The monarchs are a very important piece to the pollination process, which provides us the food that's on our table," he said.
The area features understory trees and plantings like milkweed and pawpaw trees.
Kiepe said the Flyway will give those who drive through the area a reason to stop and stay a while.
"This gives people an excuse to stop, get out, and experience the Mississippi River," he said, adding that a recent study had some 1.5 million travelers coming through. "We hope that it's not only an ecological benefit and educational benefit, but a tourist attractor, whether it's just stopping for an hour and seeing our city and showing how great of a Downtown we have. We want to give them a reason want to come back, or maybe they'll stay, have lunch, and decide to use this as an overnight stop."
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Southland Casino Hotel
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