Memphis Unveils $10.4 Million Bird Observation Deck Project

Rendering of the Memphis Bird Observation Deck overlooking the river

News Summary

Memphis is launching the Memphis Flyway project, a $10.4 million bird observation deck on the riverfront aimed at attracting 1.3 million new visitors by 2026. Spanning 218 feet, the deck will offer stunning views of migratory birds and is designed to be fully ADA-accessible. With diverse funding sources and significant community interest, the project is set to enhance Memphis’s tourism appeal and provide a space for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the local ecosystem.

Memphis Announces $10.4 Million Bird Observation Deck Project to Boost Tourism by 2026

Memphis is set to enhance its tourism appeal with the construction of the Memphis Flyway, a new bird observation deck on the riverfront, just south of Tom Lee Park. This project, which carries an estimated cost of $10.4 million, aims to attract approximately 1.3 million new visitors annually once completed in early 2026.

The bird observation deck will span 218 feet long and rise 40 feet high, designed to provide breathtaking views of the migratory birds that pass through the Memphis area. The deck will be fully ADA-accessible to ensure all visitors can enjoy the natural beauty without any barriers. Construction crews have already cleared nearly all required areas for the project, with groundbreaking having occurred in June.

Tourism and Wildlife Significant to Memphis

The Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) highlights the project’s potential impact on tourism, particularly given that about 40% of North America’s birds migrate through the Memphis area. This unique wildlife viewing location positions Memphis to capitalize on the estimated 43 million travelers passing through the city annually along major highways such as I-40 and I-55.

The MRPP’s Director of Development underscores the deck’s unique positioning along the river, which allows for close access to both the natural environment and the surrounding scenic views, with fewer industrial distractions from the opposite shore. This accessibility is expected to enhance the experience for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Funding Sources and Project Timeline

Funding for the Memphis Flyway project is coming from multiple sources, including support from the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and an anonymous donor. This diverse funding strategy underscores the community’s interest and investment in natural conservation and tourism development.

Project cost: $10.4 million
Expected completion date: Early 2026
Estimated new visitors annually: 1.3 million

Preparing for the Future

The Memphis Flyway will not only serve as an attraction for bird lovers but also aims to contribute positively to the local economy and the city’s identity as a tourism hub. As the project progresses, it seeks to create a space where visitors can connect with nature and enjoy the vibrant ecosystem of migratory birds.

Local officials and stakeholders are optimistic about the benefits the observation deck will bring to Memphis, intending to leverage the area’s natural beauty to enhance the city’s reputation as a destination for both tourism and recreation.

As construction continues, Memphis residents and visitors alike can look forward to a state-of-the-art facility that enriches their experience of one of North America’s critical migratory paths.