Historically the Citizens to Preserve Overton Park were responsible for stopping Interstate 40 from bisecting Overton Park and destroying the integrity of Midtown Memphis. CPOP's current core group has been involved in making Overton Park a better place since 2008, when we began work to protect the park's old growth forest from clearcutting and other degradation. In 2011, the Tennessee State Legislature created the 126-acre Old Forest State Natural Area due to our advocacy.

CPOP's mission is "to preserve and defend the Old Forest and open spaces of Overton Park for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." We know it is critically important to reach out to the greater community in everything we do, because change is not sustainable unless it is embraced by our community.

The historic 15-acre Greensward was created in 1901 by landscape architect George Kessler as a key component of the park's original design. The Greensward a peaceful open space that has always been intended for people to relax and socialize with neighbors. In recent years, we have watched it being slowly destroyed by overflow parking.

In just a few months, the GOOL campaign has already generated tremendous support from hundreds of park users and more than 20 nonprofits, businesses, and neighborhood groups who believe that Overton Park should be protected and treasured, not devalued by a collective failure to solve traffic problems. Our community is finally working together toward a real and lasting solution, and we believe park shuttles are a critical part of that solution.