Mission & Impact
Founded in December 2011
Overton Park Conservancy is the nonprofit organization entrusted with the care, protection, and improvement of Overton Park. Under a management agreement with the City of Memphis, we provide:
- Daily maintenance and landscaping
- Capital improvements and renovations
- Trail upkeep and forest management
- Community programming and environmental education
Our Mission
To protect, preserve, and improve Overton Park.
Our Vision
To foster a beautiful, welcoming, and safe park that encourages our diverse community to explore, learn, create, socialize, and play.
What We’ve Accomplished
Since our founding, Overton Park Conservancy has:
Raised over $22 million
for capital improvements and operations
Transformed major areas of the park, including
- The Overton Park 9 Golf Course and Clubhouse
- The Bike Gate sculpture and plaza
- The Rainbow Lake Playground, a hub of creativity and nature-based play
Hosted 100+ community events annually
connecting Memphians to nature and each other
Managed the Old Forest State Natural Area, including:
- Invasive species removal
- Native tree planting
- Trail development
- Interpretive signage and educational content
- Ongoing ecological research
Our Team
Meet Our Leadership
Staff
Kaci Murley
Executive Director
Eric Bridges, PhD
Director of Operations & Capital Improvements
Melissa McMasters
Director of Communications
Malle Carrasco-Harris, PhD
Programs Manager
Fields Falcone
Stewardship Manager
Payne Looney
Park Ranger
Kim Perry
Finance & Administration Manager
Jess Smith
Rentals & Special Events Coordinator
Andrew Weda
Operations Manager
Elise McKelvey
Director of Development
Board of Directors
Michele Adelman
EyeWatch LIVE
Wight Boggs
Huey’s Restaurants
Andy Cates
Colliers International
Keith Cole
Wolf River Conservancy, Retired
Meg Crosby
PeopleCap Advisors
Billy Dunavant, IV
Dunavant Global Logistics Group, LLC
Tom Grimes, Chair
MAA Communities, Retired
Laura Hine
Memphis College of Art, Retired
Mike Humes
Donegal Associates
Dr. Carol Johnson Dean
LeMoyne-Owen College, Retired
Juanita Ortiz
Consilience Group
Elton Parker
International Paper
Carol Ross-Spang
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Retired
Amelia Thompson
Vanderbilt University School of Engineering
Michelle Ye
DT design studio
Ex Officio Board Members
Marcha Allen
Interim Director, Memphis Parks
Carissa Hussong
Metal Museum
Dr. Zoe Kahr
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Matt Thompson
Memphis Zoo
Natalie Wilson
Overton Park Shell
Board Member Emeritus
Gary Shorb
The Urban Child Institute
Explore More
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