News Summary
Memphis experiences an increase in dog park attendance as the city enjoys the summer heat, reaching temperatures in the 90s. Shelby Farms’ Outback has been voted America’s best dog park, boasting 100 acres of off-leash space. Other popular parks like Overton Bark and Sea Isle Park cater to the growing canine community. Community initiatives and concerts at the Overton Park Shell enhance outdoor enjoyment, making Memphis a vibrant destination for dog owners this summer.
Memphis is celebrating the summer season with a surge in dog park popularity, as the city basks in the “dog days of summer,” characterized by high temperatures reaching the 90s and humidity levels that elevate the heat index. This surge in interest coincides with the recent recognition of Shelby Farms’ Outback as America’s best dog park in a national poll conducted for the 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, announced on July 2.
The Outback at Shelby Farms is particularly praised for its expansive 100 acres of off-leash terrain, allowing dogs and their owners ample space to explore and enjoy the outdoors together. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and features various amenities. Additionally, initiatives like “Paws for Shade” contribute to enhancing the park’s environment by planting trees in memory of beloved pets.
For dog owners residing closer to the urban core, Overton Bark provides a more compact yet charming 1.3-acre dog park that embodies rustic charm with its log benches nestled within a beautiful forested area. There is also a smaller dog park located at 539 S. Front in downtown Memphis, catering to those seeking quick access to fresh air and fun for their pets.
Sea Isle Park, located at 5250 Sea Isle Road, has proven to be a popular spot as well, currently holding a commendable rating of 4.4 out of 5 bones on BringFido. This lively dog park is just one of several that cater to the city’s growing canine community. Tobey Park, Memphis’ first public dog park that opened in 2010, features fenced grassy areas alongside small pools designed specifically for dogs, providing a refreshing retreat during the hot summer months.
For residents living in Bartlett, the City of Bartlett Dog Park offers multiple spaces for dogs of varying sizes, including a designated puppy park to ensure that all furry friends can enjoy safe playtime. Additionally, a unique “pop-up” dog park located at 75 Jefferson stands out with its distinctive large statue of a grinning dog, making it a fun spot for community gatherings. Not to be overlooked, Olive Branch City Park in North Mississippi features a pet-friendly area spanning 2.5 acres, having opened in 2016.
Complementing these outdoor activities, the Overton Park Shell is set to host a concert series this fall, featuring performances by Big K.R.I.T. on September 18 and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on October 10. The Shell Yeah! Benefit Series is focused on supporting live music in the Memphis area, ensuring ongoing access to free concerts for the community.
The Overton Park Shell is not just a performance venue; it holds historical significance as a structure built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration. It remains one of the last active Depression-era bandshells in operation, continuing to serve as a cultural hub for live entertainment. Tickets for the Shell Yeah! Benefit Series went on sale on April 25, with pre-sale tickets available for members on April 24.
The Shell proudly emphasizes its commitment to community impact through free shows and educational programming that cater to diverse audiences within Memphis, blending culture, entertainment, and outdoor enjoyment seamlessly this summer.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Heartfelt Community Efforts Following Tragic Texas Floods
Memphis Appoints New Director for Animal Services
Historic Victory Shakes Up New York City Politics
Memphis Offers Diverse Clubs and Restaurants to Connect and Dine
Tragedy at Memphis Food Festival Sparks Safety Concerns
Free Outdoor Yoga Classes at River Garden in Memphis
Memphis Flyer Celebrates 30 Years of Local Reporting
Nashville Schools Rally for Democracy on Presidents’ Day
Downtown Memphis Prepares for a Romantic Valentine’s Season
Art Davis Appointed Acting CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership
Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Best Dog Parks in Memphis
- Wikipedia: Dog Park
- WREG: Free Concert Series Returns to Overton Park Shell
- Google Search: Overton Park Shell concert series
- Daily Memphian: Overton Park Shell Fall Concert Series
- Google Scholar: Overton Park Memphis
- Choose901: Big K.R.I.T. and Kingfish at Overton Park Shell
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outdoor Concert
- Fox13: Man Confronted at Overton Dog Park
- Google News: Memphis dog parks
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
