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HJR 1558

Memorials, Recognition - Overton Park, 125th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Gabby Salinas

Ceremonial measure recognizing Overton Park’s 125th anniversary and highlighting its history, features, and role as a central public green space in Memphis and Tennessee.

Signed by Senate Speaker
#memorials #recognition
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 1558

Summary of Bill: HJR 1558 (Session 114, Tennessee)

What the bill is

  • A House Joint Resolution recognizing and honoring Overton Park in Memphis on the occasion of its 125th anniversary.
  • Prime sponsor: Representative (Rep.) Salinas; Co-sponsor: Rep. Gabby Salinas.
  • Status: Introduced and filed for introduction; placed on House consent calendar for 4/22/2026 (per action history).

Purpose and intent

  • To acknowledge Overton Park as a significant public asset and symbol of Tennessee’s natural beauty and public green space.
  • To commemorate the park’s 125th anniversary and celebrate its historical, cultural, and recreational importance to Memphis and the state.

Key provisions and changes

  • The bill is a ceremonial resolution (no substantive policy changes or appropriations).
  • It:
    • Praises Overton Park as a major Tennessee treasure.
    • Recites the park’s history: acquisition by the City of Memphis in 1901, landscape planning by Georges Kessler in 1901, and public opening in 1906.
    • Enumerates notable features and establishments within the park, including:
    • Brooks Museum of Art
    • Memphis Zoo
    • Overton Park Golf Course
    • Rainbow Lake
    • Veterans Plaza
    • Levitt Shell
    • Old Forest Arboretum (noting one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Tennessee)
    • Describes the park as a venue for reflection, inspiration, celebration, and discovery, with amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and other features.
  • The resolution expresses the state's intent to celebrate and honor Overton Park’s enduring legacy and impact.
  • Final clause provides for an appropriately prepared copy for presentation, with a minor formatting note about omitting certain designation wording on the copy.

Who or what would be affected

  • Overton Park itself as a recognized public resource and symbol within the state.
  • The recognition would celebrate the park’s history and ongoing role in Memphis and Tennessee’s public life.
  • No direct policy changes, funding, or administrative actions are mandated by this resolution.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and filed for introduction on 2026-04-21.
  • Placed on the House consent calendar for consideration on 2026-04-22.
  • As a concurrent resolution, it would require passage by both the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate to become an official expression of the General Assembly.
  • If adopted, the resolution would typically be used for ceremonial purposes and public messaging, rather than altering law or budget allocations.

Bottom-line

HJR 1558 is a ceremonial measure recognizing Overton Park’s 125th anniversary and detailing its historical creation, major features, and role as a central public space in Memphis. It celebrates the park’s legacy and encourages appreciation for Tennessee’s public green spaces without imposing new duties or financial obligations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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