2023 Issue 4 Jul/Aug Focus - Mid-South Magazine

I am a fall baby, but deep
in my core I’m a summer
child. Summer is my favorite
time of year. Something
about the sun and the
sweet heat of 80 degree
weather puts a battery
in my back. As an active
little rogue who was prone
to getting into mischief,
my grandparents had the
near-impossible task of
keeping me occupied (and
out of trouble) during the
summer. The most effective
methods included Vacation
Bible School, huge slices of
watermelon on the porch,
and trips to Martin Luther
King Jr. Riverside Park.
Designed by landscape
architect George Kessler
in 1902, Martin Luther King
Jr. Riverside Park spans
297 acres and is home to
McKellar Lake, walking trails,
playgrounds, a marina, a
fishing pond, and a couple
of tennis courts. While it
may not be viewed as a
“hangout” park, Riverside
Park was once home to one
of the biggest events in
the city: the WLOK Stone
Soul Picnic. Hosted by the
Gilliam Foundation, the
Stone Soul Picnic has been
a Memphis staple since
1974. One of my favorite
childhood memories is of
walking to the park with my
family, excitement running
through me as we made the
trek from our family home
to the park. The sound of
the music in the distance
energized me and pushed
me forward when the path
seemed neverending. When
we finally got to the open
area, seeing the sea of faces
filled me with joy. Every kid
was a potential new friend
and the park was ours to
explore in relative safety.
The Stone Soul Picnic
united us as a community
and holds a special place in
the hearts of all who have
ever had the opportunity to
attend. Although the event
has since been moved, the
spirit of the Stone Soul
Picnic and the happiness it
brought to so many people
still lingers in its original
home. Rumor has it if you
listen hard enough, you can
still hear the faint sound of
Sly and The Family Stone.
In addition to the picnic,
Riverside Park has been the
chosen site for many church
events, family gatherings,
and reunions. In fact, the
park has been the site for
Carver High School class
reunions every August
for decades, only pausing
during the pandemic.
Though the park’s
reputation has shifted over
the years, I believe it's on
the way back to its former
glory.
Riverside Park holds a
special place in our hearts
for many reasons. For my
mom, it was the place where
she picked blackberries as a
child. For my dad, it’s where
he was able to reunite with
many of his former students
from his time teaching at
Riverview Middle School.
For me, it marks a time in
my life when I still had both
of my grandparents and
the world was mine for the
taking. For my uncle, it's
where he chased ducks
at the duck pond and did
incredibly reckless things
that young boys do but
don’t want repeated.
As you are out and about
this summer, celebrating
with loved ones or taking in
some solo time, spend time
in Riverside park making
your own special memories.
Let the dog run around, let
the children laugh and play,
and most importantly, take
a moment to connect and
commune. Namaste.
Park trees changing colors
during the fall
photos by Chellie Bowman
JUL+AUG 2023 | focuslgbt.com | Memphis Green 29