Two detained by police after group blocked zoo parking on Greensward

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two protestors have been taken into custody in Overton Park. According to Memphis Police,the protestors began to gather near the area around 10 a.m. Monday morning, blocking the entrance to the Greensward that is used for overflow parking. They were asked to leave by refused. Forty minutes later, the protestors remained at the location and began sitting on the gravel blocking the parking area. One female protestor, Maureen Spain, was told several times she had to move, but each time refused. She then told her sons, ages 9 and 12, to join in. The children had no shoes on or water to drink. At the time, it was approximately 86 degrees with a heat index of 92 degrees. That’s when other protestors reportedly became concerned for the children and got them water and a canopy. At that point officers once again told Spain to move. When she refused officers went to detain her, and she tried to flee. She then reportedly began yelling at the officers, causing a disturbance. She was arrested and charged with criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, obstructing a highway or passageway, reckless endangerment and resisting official detention. The children were released to a family member and DCS was notified. A second individual, Fergus Nolan, was also arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Once the two people were taken into custody, protestors cleared the drive. This is part of the ongoing disagreement between the zoo and those who believe no cars should be parking on the Greensward area. A spokesperson for the zoo said cars were turned away due to the protest. Greensward supporters were standing outside the zoo to direct cars to street parking. The zoo, city and Overton Park Conservancy are in mediation to find the best agreement to which they can agree. In addition to the road being blocked, vandalism was found at three different areas. A sign at Sam Cooper and North Parkway featuring a Panda had spray paint on it. The same color of paint was used a few weeks ago to deface the same sign. A Greensward supporter cleaned most of the paint off that time. A fence separating the park from the Northwest Passage area was also spray painted overnight. The message, “Zoo Cries, Brady Dies” was sprayed on the wall.