Shelby Farms Park - Memphis TN

Written By Serhii Chrucky
Aerial view of Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN, showcasing the entire site and Patriot Lake.

Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects and Field Operations, the park encompasses a small portion of a vast 4,500-acre site, centered around the 80-acre Patriot Lake. The design incorporates a collection of buildings and structures, miles of paths and diverse landscapes, transforming a former prison work farm into a regional recreational hub. Key elements include gathering spaces, recreational facilities (farmhouse, boathouses, bike rental, horse stables), and views of the Wolf River. Distilling the immense scale and functional diversity of the park into a few images presented a significant challenge.

 
Entry view of the Shelby Farms Park visitor center in Memphis, TN, showing the main entrance.
Rear view of the Shelby Farms Park visitor center, designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects.
Visitors enjoying a sunny day at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN.
View of the bandstand at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN.
Shelby Farms Park event space viewed across Patriot Lake in Memphis, TN.
People exercising along a path at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN.
View of the marsh landscape from boardwalk at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN.
Aerial view of Shelby Farms Park, centered on the visitor center, designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects.
Serhii Chrucky https://serhiichrucky.com
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