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Parks committee clears ICON relocation, funds playgrounds and hears pitch for 'Bevo' immersive attraction at Mud Island
Summary
The Parks and Environmental Committee approved moving the ICON sculpture to make way for improved ADA access at the Metal Museum redevelopment, approved funding transfers for two playgrounds and a sponsorship account, and heard a presentation about an immersive family attraction ('Bevo') planned at the Mud Island Museum.
The Parks and Environmental Committee on March 18 approved a relocation of the ICON sculpture in Overton Park and advanced several park funding actions while hearing a pitch for a large immersive attraction planned for Mud Island.
Councilman Philip Spinoza and Carissa Hussong presented a resolution consenting to the Metal Museum's request to move the ICON sculpture about 140 feet from its current plaza location to enable re‑grading and compliant ADA access for the renovated Russ Hall building. The committee approved the relocation unanimously.
The committee also approved creating a sponsorship account to accept corporate donations for park programming and approved transferring roughly $2.23 million in remaining Accelerate Memphis funds into accounts to install new playgrounds at Frasier Park (Ed Rice area) and Pine Hill. Parks officials said the Frasier Park playground dated to the 1960s and the planned new playgrounds will use contemporary surface and safety standards. Committee members asked for equipment and cost breakdowns and confirmation of long‑term maintenance plans.
The committee heard a presentation from the creators of an immersive family attraction, presented under the working name Baron Von Oppenheimer ("Bevo"). The producers said they plan a 33,000–square‑foot immersive, technology‑driven playground and storytelling experience inside the former Mud Island museum, and they seek public‑sector support for infrastructure work at Mud Island. "We're creating a world class immersive experience," presenter Christopher Reyes told the committee. Project leaders said they expect phased fundraising including a $5–$10 million early round and that they would partner with local creatives, hire staff and run education/workshop programs for students.
Ending: Committee members supported the ICON relocation, approved the playground appropriations and sponsorship authority, and requested more detail on proposed Mud Island infrastructure costs and programming commitments before any city capital commitment. The Bevo team was asked to provide additional cost estimates and a plan for free or subsidized access for students and residents.
