Memphis, Tennessee
Ritchie Smith Associates (RSA) was the prime design consultant for the first phase of the Shelby Farms Greenline, converting 6.5 miles of an abandoned CSX railway corridor for multi-use recreation. The route begins in the heart of Memphis and extends eastward, connecting neighborhoods to one another and to the 4,500 acre Shelby Farms Park. The greenline is designed to accommodate pedestrians and bicycles along an asphalt path built in compliance with ADA throughout. It includes six restored historic railroad bridges of timber construction, varying in length from 184' to 1,046', and a seventh new, custom-designed prefabricated bridge.
Prior to the design contract, RSA worked on an overall master plan for the 14-mile CSX corridor. The public enthusiasm generated by completion of the first phase has prompted city leaders to initiate plans for the greenline's extension and for additional routes. At peak usage, greenline rangers have recorded well over 400 people per hour on the trail.
Award: American Society of Landscape Architects, Tennessee Chapter - Merit Award