MEMPHIS, TN - <\/p>\n
(WMC) - Memphis Zoo visitors will be allowed to park on the grass over one of its busiest weekends of the year. <\/p>\n
Representatives from the zoo, Overton Park Conservancy, and City of Memphis met at city hall to discuss the situation Friday morning. <\/p>\n
After 23 years, the city has decided to end an unwritten agreement with the zoo that allowed it to park overflow cars on the 16-acre Overton park greensward when its 960 surface spots filled up. <\/p>\n
Starting this weekend, Overton Park is starting shuttles that will run the crowd from the Overton Square parking garage to the zoo. <\/p>\n
However, all parties agreed to allow parking on the greensward over Memorial Day weekend and then meet again next week to discuss more permanent solutions. <\/p>\n
\"We're pleased that we've had some movement toward a solution,\" Memphis Zoo President Chuck Brady said. \"We're very concerned that our guests get to and from the zoo in a safe and pleasant environment.\" <\/p>\n
\"It [Friday morning's meeting] was productive,\" said Memphis Chief Administrative Officer George Little. \"It was productive. It was helpful. Certainly, we've got a number of passionate stakeholders, but that's part of what makes Memphis great.\" <\/p>\n
Little says the city is promoting the free shuttle service from the Overton Square garage into the park, but with it being the biggest weekend of the year, it was not the right time to close the greensward to cars. <\/p>\n
\"We felt there was too much risk for our guests of having a bad experience coming to our city,\" said Little. \"We're very definitely open for business at the zoo. We want our guests to come. Hopefully there won't be any extra excitement that we have to charge them for.\" <\/p>\n
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Memphis Zoo visitors can park on grass over holiday weekend<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC) - Memphis Zoo visitors will be allowed to park on the grass over one of its busiest weekends of the year. Representatives from the zoo, Overton Park Conservancy, and City of Memphis met at city hall to discuss the situation Friday morning. After 23 years, the city has decided to end an unwritten agreement with the zoo that allowed it to park overflow cars on the 16-acre Overton park greensward when its 960 surface spots filled up Continue reading