Located in Mid Town Memphis, Overton park is a 342 acre gem. Established in 1902, this park is one of the rare local parks which predates the establishment of the State Park System and even predates the general enabling authority for Tennessee cities to have parks. Designed by George Kessler, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places…

It is long past time that we reexamine the traditional notion of the American Yard. The highly manicured weed free turf grass lawn with associated ornamental shrubs can be highly wasteful in terms of the use of energy and water consumption. The widespread use of herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides by homeowners can be detrimental to the environm…

Fort Negley is a historical park in Nashville, Tennessee. Operated under the auspices of the Metro Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation, the park contains the remnants of a Civil War era Union Army fortress. The fort was mainly constructed by black laborers, many were escaped slaves, who had settled in an encampment surrounding the fort area. Ou…

One subject which continues to inspire grassroots community organization in Tennessee in water quality. Tennessee wants fishable and swimmable waterways. People in Tennessee recognize that clean water is imperative to our health, the environment and to our way of life. The CWEET organization in Cocke County has been working to protect the Pigeon Ri…

The Cumberland River Basin is an area which extends from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky down through Middle Tennessee and finally into Western Kentucky. This is an area of about 1800 square miles. The river provides life supporting water for the citizens who make this place home and supports some of the most ecologically diverse places in North …

The City of Louisville, Kentucky, is one of only four cities in the world which can claim a system of parks designed by the Frederick Law Olmsted and his family firm of landscape architects. Now over 100 years old, these 17 parks are a treasure to the citizens of Louisville and to the nation. These historic parks continue to serve their function an…

Now retired after decades of distinguished service to the Tennessee State Parks, Murray Crow sits down with Mark and shares memories of his remarkable parks experience. Beginning with his schooling at UT Martin, continuing through postings at parks throughout the state, both smaller parks and resort parks and ending with many years at central offic…

Our guest today is Aaron Browning, recently installed President of the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association. A native of eastern Kentucky and former college tennis player, Aaron serves as Deputy Director of the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department. TRPA is the leading professional organization for persons working in the field of …

There is a growing movement of concerned citizens which is encouraging people and communities to be more thoughtful about how they manage their home landscapes. Encouraging the reduction of turf grass and exotic ornamentals and encouraging the use of native plants. The Middle Tennessee Chapter of Wild Ones is a group which has this as their mission…

Each year the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA) recognizes one or more persons with the Fellow Award. This is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Parks and Recreation Profession. Our guest today is Michael Gorham, the 2023 TPRA Fellow. Mike served as President of TRPA in 2001-2002, at which time …