Frequently Asked Questions
Parks
Are the events at the parks free?
Yes, all events sponsored by the Memphis Parks are free and open to the public.
Is there an event schedule for the parks?
Yes, see all events here: https://memphisparks.com/events/
Are moon-bouncers or other inflatables allowed at parks?
Yes, these items are used at your own risk.
Can you bring tents to the parks?
Yes, tents should be no larger than 10X10 and weighed down with water and/or sandbags. Due to underground sprinkler systems, the use of stakes for securing tents is prohibited.
Is tent camping allowed at parks?
Pop-up sun shades or canopies providing protection from the elements are allowed for day use in parks. They should have an unobstructed view from at least two sides of the tent. Leaving tents or shelter in parks or shelters in parks overnight is not allowed.
Are petting zoos allowed at parks?
Pets are allowed in parks, but must be on a leash, crated or caged, or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up and disposing of all pet waste.
Is off-street parking available?
Off-street parking is available at certain parks.
Can you bring floats, kayaks, boats, etc. to parks with a lake?
Unless otherwise posted on-site by Memphis Parks, lakes of any sort should not be used for recreation (Sec. 9-64-7).
Can you fish at parks with a lake?
Unless otherwise posted by the Memphis Parks, it is unlawful to fish in park waters (Sec. 12-84-9).
If you can fish, is it a catch-and-release or can visitors keep what they catch?
If fishing is allowed per Memphis Parks ordinances, it will be on a catch-and-release basis, meaning you must not keep the fish you catch (Sec. 12-84-9).
Do dogs need to stay on a leash?
Dogs are allowed at parks with proper leashes under six feet in length (Sec. 12-84-8).
Is WiFi available at the parks?
Memphis Parks does not provide WiFi at their parks.
Who can I contact about damaged areas to parks?
The Memphis Parks office is located next to Tobey Park, at 2599 Avery Ave., Memphis, TN, 38013 and should be contacted through the email and/or phone number provided on their website at www.memphisparks.com if there is damage, dumping, litter, or if a park has maintained a nuisance on property (Sec. 9-60-2).
How do I rent or reserve a park facility such as a pavilion, ball field, pool, or community center for an event?
Information such as pricing, location, dates available, and contact information for reservations is available through the selection of the park your party wants on the Rentals page. Please note: reservations must be made at least 14 days in advance of the reservation date.
Are motorized vehicles or party buses allowed in the park?
Motorized vehicles and party buses may not be operated, parked, or stopped in public parks and golf courses of the City of Memphis except on roadways and designated areas for parking. This does not apply to golf carts and vehicles authorized by Memphis Parks (Sec. 12-84-13).
Are scooters and skateboards allowed in the parks?
Vehicles such as bicycles, skateboards, and other manually-propelled or non-motorized wheeled vehicles are allowed on public grounds without a permit, so long as they do not obstruct pedestrian rights-of-way or traffic (Sec. 12-48-7).
Do you need a permit for vending or sales?
Yes, you will need to register with the City of Memphis Supplier Registration to become a vendor on any of our properties or for events with City of Memphis. The link for Supplier Registration can be found here: https://www.memphistn.gov/business/supplier-registration/
Are firearms allowed in the parks?
Unless you are conducting official duties as a U.S. military employee or police officer, you shall be found guilty of a misdemeanor if you are carrying weapons in the parks. (Sec. 10-32-2)
Are glass containers and/or alcoholic beverage consumption allowed?
Drinking or selling beverages with alcoholic content in public parks is unlawful and not allowed unless previously authorized by Memphis Parks so long as participants are of legal drinking age (Sec. 12-84-20). Littering of glass, dirt, paper, and other solid waste is prohibited on public park grounds and it shall be a misdemeanor for offenders who do so (Sec. 9-56-22). Visitors must always properly dispose of any waste brought to the parks.
Is smoking cigarettes/e-cigarettes allowed at the parks?
Smoking is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED at the public parks within 50 ft of a playground, but any waste accumulated must be disposed of properly, as littering shall be a misdemeanor if committed.
Is there anything worth considering before using a park for an event?
Not all parks have the same amenities and therefore may not contain the amenities you wish to utilize during your visit, event, or reservation. Before visiting or reserving, please visit the Find a Park page to view a full list of amenities available at each park.
What is the policy for cancellations and rescheduling reservations?
Those wishing to cancel or reschedule their reservation of park facilities should use the Memphis Parks contact available on the website, with at least a one-day notice of cancellation.
Can you use the park to run a fitness class or do work-outs?
Fitness or workout events that are personal or free are permitted at the parks. It is encouraged to utilize the open space for health benefits. Otherwise, call 901-636-4200 to permit the use of park greenspace.
Do I need to keep my dog on a leash at the dog parks?
No, dogs are not required to stay on the leash once in the dog park.
Are restrooms available at the parks?
Restrooms are only available at some of the parks. Please visit the Find a Park page to view the amenities at each park.
Can you bring your own grill to the park and cookout?
Yes, bringing personal grills is permitted so long as proper disposal of charcoal is observed. There are also grills available for public use at certain parks, with a park list and their amenities that can be found on the Find a Park page.
Which parks have bus routes near them?
To view Memphis public transportation routes, visit Memphis Area Transit Authority’s bus route maps and schedules section to locate bus routes near public parks at: https://www.matatransit.com/bus/route-maps/
Addresses for public parks can be found on the page for each individual park.
Do the pavilions have electrical outlets?
The pavilions at the public parks do not have electrical outlets.
Which parks have water features or splash pads?
Please visit the Find a Park page to view the amenities at each park.
Can you play music at the parks?
Loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noises within city limits is prohibited (Sec. 9-68-1). If music is to be played, it must be kept to a level that does not disturb others.
Are park rangers on-site at the parks?
Park rangers are not on-site at public parks of Memphis Parks.
Community Centers
Can you vote at the community centers?
Information regarding voting and all it entails can be found at https://www.shelbyvote.com/
What, if any, classes do the community centers offer?
Since each community center offers different amenities, there are many classes available, including but not limited to dance lessons, swim lessons, after-school camps, summer camps, tutoring, aerobics classes, and senior programming.
Are classes available at community centers only for adults, kids, or senior citizens?
Some community centers are senior centers, and may only provide programming for senior citizens there. Most community centers offer programs, events, and classes for all ages.
Is it free to get into community centers?
Yes, it is free to use the community centers.
At community centers with pools, what are the open times?
While some community centers with aquatics centers are available for use seasonally, each community center has its own hours. To view when and where to swim, please view the list of community centers with aquatic centers.
Do community centers with pools offer swimming lessons?
The two community centers with pools offering swim lessons are Hickory Hill Community Center and Bickford Community Center. Swimming lessons for children aged 5-17 are $25 per session; for adults 18+ at $48 per session. For more information on aquatics, contact Stacy Bond, Aquatics Manager at [email protected]
Do you need to be a member to be able to swim at the community centers with pools?
To use community center pools, a Swim Card is required. To register for a Swim Card, visit http://poolcard.memphistn.gov/
What amenities are at the community centers?
To view a full list of amenities available at each community center, visit the individual park page under Find a Park.
Can you join a sports league at the community centers?
Yes, all community centers offer practices and teams for sports leagues. To view specific sports, schedules, sign-ups, and receive more information, visit the Sports Leagues page under Activities.
What are the community center hours?
To view hours for each community center, visit the individual park page under Find a Park and refer to the right-hand side for full hours and contact information.
How much does it cost to rent spaces for an event at community centers?
Rentals or reservations for spaces and facilities at community centers will vary by center. To see rental information, visit the Rentals page.
Are community centers closed on holidays? If so, which ones?
Memphis Parks Community Centers follow the federal holiday schedules and closures.
Are any community centers hiring?
To see openings for City of Memphis community centers, visit https://www.memphistn.gov/government/careers/ to see their open career options.
Are there lifeguards at community centers with pools?
Yes, certified lifeguards are onsite at all operating aquatics centers.
