Updates
We are excited to announce in the launch of a public fundraising campaign to raise $75,000 that will go toward to construction of what will be the most innovative bike lanes in the United States; part of which will run right down Broad Avenue and in front of the Water Tower Depot. To donate and learn more about the campaign click here.
Designed to be a safe active transit route, the Hampline is a two mile, on-road/multi-use trail designed for all levels of experience in walking and biking. It will showcase best practices with regards to protected cycle tracks - green lanes. By linking the western terminus of the Shelby Farms Greenline with the existing trail network within Overton Park, the Hampline is the essential link for the growing on-road and multi-use system in east Memphis and beyond with the on-road bicycle network west of Overton Park toward the River.
In addition to adding vital connectivity to the growing bicycle network across the Memphis region, the Hampline will provide residents and visitors with safe access to facilities and amenities in the neighborhood including the five neighborhood schools, Tillman MPD Precinct Station, Howze Park, Lester Community Center, Benjamin Hooks Public Library, spiritual and medical facilities, the Arts District, and the amenities located within Overton Park.
We are within five percent of funding the entire $4.5 million required to implement the most innovative bicycle infrastructure project to be built within the United States. NYC has a few similar cycle tracks, as does Montreal and Vancouver, B.C. But nothing surpasses the build that is schedule to take place linking Overton Park with Broad Avenue and the Greenline.
Recent Wins
Memphis has positioned itself as an example of best practices and innovation for bike lanes in the United States. The City of Memphis is one of six cities to participate in Bikes Belong’s “Green Lane Project” specifically due to this innovative project. The Hampline features two miles of public art murals and sculptures, an amphitheater and numerous art galleries, this bicycle and walking track is located in the Binghampton Community ("The Hamp") and links Overton Park and the Shelby Farms Greenline via a state of the art, two-way protected cycle track.
Our fundraising for the last $250,000 received a tremendous boost when our project was awarded a $50,000 grant as part of the Mid-South Regional Greenprint and Sustainability Plan! The build of the Hampline will be an official part of our region’s Greenprint and Sustainability Plan. Funded by HUD, the plan The plan is designed to enhance regional livability and sustainability by establishing a unified vision for a region-wide network of greenspace areas, or Greenprint, which serves to address long-term housing and land use, resource conservation, environmental protection, accessibility, community health and wellness, transportation alternatives, economic development, neighborhood engagement, and social equity in the Greater Memphis Area.
In addition to helping us leap toward the fundraising goal, participation in the plan further cements that the Water Tower Depot in conjunction with The Hampline are showcased for how creative placemaking and transportation initiatives can work together to support each other.
Insight/Provocation
In addition to adding vital connectivity to the growing bicycle network across the Memphis region, the Hampline will provide residents and visitors with safe access to facilities and amenities in the Binghampton neighborhood including the five neighborhood schools, Tillman MPD Precinct Station, Howze Park, Lester Community Center, Benjamin Hooks Public Library, spiritual and medical facilities, the Arts District, and the amenities located within Overton Park.