A new entrance for Mud Island Park

A conceptual sketch of the improvements to the north gate.

The north gate to Mud Island Park is getting a facelift! Coming soon: a new, enhanced visitor experience, better aesthetics and more clearly defined movement patterns.

In 2018, Memphis River Parks Partnership opened Mud Island Park year-round with expanded hours and new, relaxed rules allowing bike-riding and dog-walking. The entrance from Island Drive, the north gate to the park, has become more and more active as residents and visitors build the park into their daily routine. But, pedestrians and bikers entering the north gate must share space with cars, trucks and large vehicles coming and going from the recycling center, Partnership operations compound, park and marina.

A conceptual overhead plan of the new circulation pattern at the north gate.

The site improvements will create clear circulation pathways for drivers, bikers and pedestrians. Signage and fencing guide views and clarify movement while new drought-tolerant plantings improve the visual experience. The existing gate house remains but receives new screens to improve aesthetics and streamline access to the park.

Construction is underway now and is scheduled to be completed by the end of April, 2022.