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Memphis, TN. - Mayor A C Wharton's Greenway and Trail System for Shelby County is well underway. Since taking office in 2002, the "Greening of Shelby County" has been a major initiative for Mayor Wharton and his Administration. While many of the "greening" projects are currently in various stages of implementation and completion, tomorrow marks the official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for Phase I of the Nonconnah Greenbelt Project.
This 50-acre project consists of 850 feet of 6-feet wide asphalt walking trails linking the Mike Rose Soccer Complex immediately south of Bill Morris Parkway (State Route 385) to the greenway area via a pedestrian underpass. North of the project, sidewalks were constructed along Forest Hill-Irene Road connecting the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Amenities for citizens to enjoy within the greenway system include: 1) a lake equipped with a well pump to control water levels during dry weather periods, 2) two pedestrian bridges (8 feet x 95 feet steel bridge and a timber bridge/boardwalk 278 feet in length), 3) an open "Study Area" that will accommodate approximately 50 people, and 4) an asphalt drive and parking lot.
The construction costs for site improvement were approximately $1.44M and the project was funded through a cost-share between Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and Shelby County (20% County and 80% federal and state dollars) under the Transportation Enhancement Grant Program. Construction began on July 27, 2006.
We encourage the media and public to attend. The ceremony will be held along the southbound curb lane of Forest-Hill Irene Road between Bill Morris Parkway (State Route 385) and Nonconnah Creek. County representatives in orange vests will be available to provide parking assistance.
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