MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor Jim Strickland and the City of Memphis Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowen met Tuesday with the president and CEO of the Memphis Zoo, Chuck Brady, and the executive director of the Overton Park Conservancy, Tina Sullivan.
They met to discuss zoo parking in light of the zoo’s controversial removal of 27 trees from the Greensward area of Overton Park.
Sullivan said the trees were removed without their permission by the zoo and they’re taking action.
A spokesperson with the zoo said the trees were removed for parking space, especially on days when the zoo is extremely busy.
In the Tuesday meeting, Strickland asked the zoo and OPC to agree to a mediation process. Each will discuss the matter with its board and respond later this week.
For now, the Greensward will continue to be used as an overflow parking space.
The City of Memphis has commissioned a parking study for the park to help figure out a long-term solution.