Tennessee Treasure

Rhodes College sits in midtown Memphis, TN. Some of the school’s leaders fondly describe the its strategic location as a true reflection of urban life. Rhodes borders reflect wide diversity within close quarters. The Memphis Zoo occupies one side and the other three quadrants include neighborhoods with distinct social and economic classes. I found this interesting and set out to jog around the campus to get a better sense of it.

Morning arrived and I began the journey. I had only completed one length of the perimeter when distraction happened. I noticed a narrow tree lined path. I scooted over for a closer look and discovered the Vollintine-Evergreen Community Park and Greenline. How could I resist? I changed course from sidewalk to pea gravel and explored.

I found the Greenline not to be a community park in the standard sense.  Tucked behind houses the path stretches through the city on a former railroad line. The park provides a community path for walking, jogging and unique uses of green space. Along the way I saw a community flower garden as well as one with vegetables. In some areas chairs and benches sat out in the shade of mature trees. Interesting and somewhat odd sculptures of human like figures with plant holders decorated one end of the Greenline.

An information box provided a pamphlet where I learned the Greenline is community owned and maintained. It spans just shy of 2 miles.  After a delightful spin on the Greenline, I finished the lap around Rhodes. The distinctions are not as immediately notable as suggested. Nonetheless, the perimeter loop did make for a nice run, but the Greenline stole the show and gave a wonderful start to the day.

Run. Explore.

Tom