Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is a Memphis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages a 4,500-acre urban park, providing free public access, recreation, and event venues while relying on corporate sponsorships, donations, and food-and-beverage partnerships for roughly 75% of its operating budget.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersMemphis, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM type—
- OfferingServices
What Shelby Farms Park Conservancy does
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, that manages and operates Shelby Farms Park, a 4,500-acre urban park — among the largest in the United States at roughly five times the footprint of Central Park. The conservancy stewards park assets including a 10.65-mile paved trail system (the Greenline), an 80-acre lake (Hyde Lake), a 50-acre buffalo range housing a resident herd, and event/visitor facilities including the FedEx Event Center and First Horizon Visitor Center. It operates as a public-private steward, providing free public admission and serving the Memphis metropolitan region with recreation, programming, and venue services.
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
- Legal name
- Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
- Website
- https://shelbyfarmspark.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is a Memphis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages a 4,500-acre urban park, providing free public access, recreation, and event venues while relying on corporate sponsorships, donations, and food-and-beverage partnerships for roughly 75% of its operating budget.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nonprofit Urban Park Management
- NAICS
- Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration (BPAIAMAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Equestrian & Horse Trekking Centers (THAAAKAL)
Keywords
Where Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Memphis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy business model
Business model- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Individual Donations and Annual Fund: Individual donors contribute to the Annual Fund (gifts from $5 to $1,499) and The Grove major donor program. Donations constitute approximately 75% of the operating budget, exceeding $10,000 per day.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partners support events, programs, naming rights, and general operations. Partners include event sponsors, education/program sponsors, and naming rights holders for pavilions, spraygrounds, bike stations, and other amenities.
- Venue and Facility Rentals: Revenue from renting pavilions, event center, meeting rooms, and lawn/stage spaces. The FedEx Event Center offers 7,200+ square feet of flexible space for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.
- Membership (Park Friends): Free membership program offering 10% discounts on boat rentals, bike rentals, Go Ape, horseback riding, paintball/laser tag, and gift shop purchases. Membership provides recurring donor engagement and data.
- Planned Giving: Legacy giving programs including bequests and estate planning to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Food and Beverage Partnerships: Restaurant partners (Coastal Fish Company, Belltower Coffeehouse, Cheffie's Cafe) pay rent for dining spaces. Food trucks operate through agreements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Pavilion rentals range from small (30 capacity) to large (100 capacity) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Meeting room rental at First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center |
| Freemium | Monthly | Free fitness classes with registration |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Go Ape Axe Throwing activity |
| Freemium | Monthly | Park Friends membership is free |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and operates Shelby Farms Park, a 4,500-acre urban park in Memphis, Tennessee. The Conservancy provides free public access to trails, playgrounds, lakes, event venues, fitness programs, and recreational experiences, while generating revenue through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, venue rentals, memberships, and on-site restaurant partnerships to cover operating costs.
Product overview
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy operates and manages Shelby Farms Park, a 4,500-acre urban park in Memphis, Tennessee—one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The organization offers a diverse portfolio of recreational facilities, experiences, and services organized around outdoor recreation, wellness programming, events and venue rentals, and dining. Core recreational products include the Woodland Discovery Playground, Water Play Sprayground, Shelby Farms Greenline trail system, Hyde Lake with boat rentals, Go Ape Treetop Adventures, the Outback Off-Leash Dog Park, disc golf, and fishing. Event venues include the FedEx Event Center (7,200+ sq ft of flexible indoor space), Great Lawn and Outdoor Stage, multiple pavilions, and meeting rooms. Dining options include Coastal Fish Company (full-service restaurant) and Belltower Coffeehouse (grab-and-go cafe). The park also offers Park Friends membership, Get Outside! free fitness classes, and hosts signature events including the MEMPHO Music Festival and Star-Spangled Celebration.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- FedEx Event Center A versatile indoor venue with over 7,200 square feet of flexible space overlooking Hyde Lake, available for weddings, receptions, corporate events, meetings, and social gatherings. Features a private bridal suite, garden patio, and full catering kitchen.
- Pavilions and Picnic Areas Multiple outdoor pavilion rental options throughout the park including Hyde Lake Pavilion (~90 capacity), Tour de Wolf Pavilion (~100 capacity), Stables Pavilion (~100 capacity), Jones Pond (~75), Chickasaw (~50), Pine Lake (~30), and Beaver Lake (~30), available for group events and picnics.
- Visitor Center Meeting Rooms Meeting space including the Buffalo Room in the First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center, seating up to 32 guests at tables or 40 theater-style, with shared kitchenette available. Monday-Friday Full-day (8am-5pm): $550; Half-day: $350. Saturday/Sunday Full-day: $650; Half-day: $450.
- Great Lawn + Outdoor Stage A scenic outdoor event space beside Hyde Lake suitable for concerts, festivals, 5K races, outdoor movies, and team building activities.
- Woodland Discovery Playground An internationally recognized, sustainably designed playground offering interactive play experiences for children.
- Water Play Sprayground Outdoor water play splash pad area for cooling and recreation during warm weather.
- Shelby Farms Greenline A 10.65-mile urban trail connecting the park to the surrounding Memphis area for cyclists, pedestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Hyde Lake Boat House Facility offering canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals on the 80-acre Hyde Lake.
- Park Friends Membership Free membership program offering 10% discounts on boat rentals, bike rentals, Go Ape, horseback riding, paintball/laser tag, and gift shop purchases, plus insider newsletters and event invitations.
- Get Outside! Fitness Programs Free outdoor fitness classes including Yoga Flow, Line Dancing, Meditation, Kids Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Mat Pilates, and Adult Yoga, offered in partnership with Baptist Memorial Health Care, YMCA, Ballet Memphis, Club Pilates, and FIT4MOM.
- Field Trips and Educational Programs School field trips and educational programming offering Learn + Play experiences, guided tours, and mobile classroom visits for K-12 schools, youth groups, and educational organizations.
- Weddings and Event Planning Wedding and event planning services utilizing indoor and outdoor spaces including the FedEx Event Center, pavilions, and lakefront venues for couples seeking unique outdoor wedding settings with lakefront views and indoor ballroom options.
- Lake's Edge Gift Shop Gift shop located in the First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center offering park merchandise, books, and souvenirs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 75% of annual operating budget raised through private donations and partnerships
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Belltower CoffeehousecoreBeloved Memphis coffee shop opened second location in First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center (950 sq ft with indoor and outdoor seating) in fall 2023. Founded by Christopher Galbreath and Micah Dempsey. Fully funded by investors.
- Go ApecoreGo Ape operates the Treetop Adventure course and outdoor Axe Throwing at Shelby Farms Park. This is their first outdoor axe throwing location. They pay licensing/rental fees to operate these activities within the park.
- Coastal Fish Company (Tom Powers & Russ Graham)coreLocal restaurant operators opened Coastal Fish Company in the FedEx Event Center (4,792 sq ft interior + 3,200 sq ft patio) serving dinner daily plus brunch/lunch on weekends. They also operate Flight, Southern Social, and Porch & Parlor.
- Cheffie's CafecoreCustom salad and sandwich cafe opened third location in grab-and-go space at First Tennessee Foundation Visitor Center. Partners with SFPC to serve active park visitors with casual, fresh food options.
- Shelby CountycoreShelby County supported the new Appling Road Access Point connecting the Greenline to the Chickasaw trail inside the park. County Commissioners Steve Basar, George Chism and David Reaves supported the project.
- Jim Keras SubaruminorSponsor of The Outback Off-Leash Dog Park. Provides financial support in exchange for naming recognition and brand visibility at the dog park.
- First Horizon FoundationcoreNaming rights sponsor of the First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center - the main welcome center for the park. Provides major capital and ongoing support.
- FedExcoreNaming rights sponsor of the FedEx Event Center - the primary indoor event venue at the park.
- Kemmons Wilson FoundationcoreSponsor of the Kemmons Wilson Foundation Welcome Center within the First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center.
- AutoZoneminorSponsor of the AutoZone Front Porch at the Visitor Center - outdoor seating area with brand recognition.
- El Mero TacominorOperates the Food Truck Park at 6489 Mullins Station Road at Farm Road, featuring their trucks plus others they invite to participate.
- Baptist Memorial HospitalminorPresenting sponsor of Get Outside! Fitness Programs at Shelby Farms Park.
- YMCAminorPartner organization providing Line Dancing fitness classes in the Get Outside! Fitness program series.
- Ballet MemphisminorPartner organization providing Mat Pilates classes in the Get Outside! Fitness program series.
- Club PilatesminorPartner organization providing Saturday morning Mat Pilates classes in the Get Outside! Fitness program series.
- FIT4MOMminorFitness and wellness organization providing classes for moms including stroller classes in the Get Outside! Fitness program series.
- Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA)minorTransit authority connection to the park through the Greenline trail system providing alternative transportation access to the park.
- Big River PresentsminorPromoter behind the MEMPHO Music Festival held at Shelby Farms Park in 2017 and 2018, drawing 10,000-20,000+ visitors per event.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Central Park Conservancy: The nonprofit organization that manages Central Park in New York City under a public-private partnership model. Highly comparable to Shelby Farms Park Conservancy in structure: 501(c)(3) raising private dollars to supplement public funding for a flagship urban park, with a donor base, volunteer programs, and venue/event revenue streams.
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy: Nonprofit that supports the Golden Gate National Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area. Comparable in operating large-scale public park assets through philanthropy, membership programs, volunteer engagement, and visitor programming.
- Prospect Park Alliance: Nonprofit conservancy that operates Prospect Park in Brooklyn under partnership with NYC Parks. Comparable operating model to Shelby Farms - private fundraising, volunteer engagement, event programming, and venue rentals supporting a large urban park.
- Friends of the High Line: Nonprofit conservancy maintaining the High Line elevated park in NYC. Comparable urban park conservancy model with fundraising, programming, concessions, and visitor experience focus, though at smaller scale and urban-vertical rather than 4,500-acre footprint.
- Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: Nonprofit operating in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh to restore and enhance Pittsburgh's parks. Directly comparable in mission and public-private conservancy model, with similar reliance on private fundraising and volunteer engagement.
Broad incumbents
- National Park Foundation: The official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, raising private funds for national parks nationwide. Operates in adjacent park-conservation philanthropy space at a much larger national scale.
- Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit that works to create and protect parks and public land across the United States. Adjacent space in park creation and conservation, with broader national scope rather than operating a single local park like Shelby Farms.
Emerging players
- The Parklands of Floyds Fork (21st Century Parks): Nonprofit operating a 4,000+ acre park system in Louisville, Kentucky. Comparable scale and metropolitan greenway mission, but newer and emerging rather than the established base of Shelby Farms.
Regional players
- Memphis Botanic Garden: Regional nonprofit botanical garden operating in Memphis with public programming, events, and donor model. Comparable local nonprofit recreation/education venue that competes for the same Memphis donor and visitor audience.
- Atlanta BeltLine Inc. Nonprofit implementing a 22-mile loop of multi-use trails, parks, and transit around Atlanta. Comparable urban trail/park system with similar programming, sponsorships, and venue uses, though anchored in a different region than Shelby Farms.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks1 record
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy social profiles
Digital presenceShelby Farms Park Conservancy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
What does Shelby Farms Park Conservancy do?
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and operates Shelby Farms Park, a 4,500-acre urban park in Memphis, Tennessee. The Conservancy provides free public access to trails, playgrounds, lakes, event venues, fitness programs, and recreational experiences, while generating revenue through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, venue rentals, memberships, and on-site restaurant partnerships to cover operating costs.
Is Shelby Farms Park Conservancy a public or private company?
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Shelby Farms Park Conservancy founded?
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy was founded in 1987. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Shelby Farms Park Conservancy based?
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is headquartered in Memphis, United States, in the North America region.
How does Shelby Farms Park Conservancy make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations and Annual Fund is the primary driver. The others are corporate Sponsorships, venue and Facility Rentals, membership (Park Friends), planned Giving and food and Beverage Partnerships.
Who are Shelby Farms Park Conservancy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Central Park Conservancy, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Prospect Park Alliance, Friends of the High Line and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Broad incumbents are National Park Foundation and Trust for Public Land. The Parklands of Floyds Fork (21st Century Parks) is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are Memphis Botanic Garden and Atlanta BeltLine Inc..
Does Shelby Farms Park Conservancy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Shelby Farms Park Conservancy.
What industry is Shelby Farms Park Conservancy in?
Shelby Farms Park Conservancy's product category is Nonprofit Urban Park Management. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIAMAH, Parks, Recreation & Protected Areas Administration, with a secondary code of THAAAKAL, Equestrian & Horse Trekking Centers. Its NAICS code is 71219 and its SIC code is 7900.