The grass is looking a little greener near the Memphis Sports and Events Center.

An area formerly known for Libertyland and green grass parking at the Liberty Bowl started its newest chapter as the latest Memphis park.

City of Memphis Housing and Community Development, Liberty Park and Memphis Parks held the ribbon-cutting event for Liberty Pocket Park on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 2.

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The nine-month city project located on the corner of Southern Avenue and Early Maxwell Boulevard features a state-of-the-art turf football field, a FIFA-sized soccer field, four park benches, a one-fifth-mile walking trail and exercise equipment. 

“We know one item that is very important to our community is health, heart and fitness," said Ashley Cash, director of the HCD for the city. 

“We believe everybody should have access to low-cost or no-cost places to come with their family, to come with their friends to get healthy and just enjoy some fresh air.”

Cash said the organization worked with the American Heart Association to establish the park with a focus on health.

“Being active in all forms and all ages is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease and improve overall health and wellbeing,” Trey Moore, executive director of the American Heart Association, said. “The American Heart Association is proud to have been able to consult on this project in a small way because heart fitness is so important to the city of Memphis.”

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Some of the outdoor cardio equipment available includes a pullup bar, a leg extension machine, a recumbent bicycle and a situp back extension bench. 

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and spoke on his eagerness to have Memphis youth take part in the new fields that Liberty Pocket Park has to offer. 

“We know adults will use those two fields, but I’m most excited about the young people that are going to do it,” Strickland said. “I’ve learned from going across this city that there is a shortage of youth football facilities.”

 “We want kids to be active while they’re in schools, and here’s a way to do that.”