About This Playground
🌳 Woodland Discovery Playground is an award-winning, sustainable playground located in Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee. Designed by James Corner Field Operations, it features six play 'nests' connected by a winding wooden pathway, offering innovative play experiences for children of all ages and abilities.
Visitor Experience: The playground consistently receives excellent reviews from families, with praise for its creative design, variety of play equipment, and natural setting. Visitors particularly appreciate the inclusivity of the space and how it encourages imaginative play.>
More about this playground
Playground Type
Address
651 N Pine Lake Dr, Cordova, TN 38018, USA
Phone
(901) 222-7275
+1 901-222-7275
Coordinates
35.14423, -89.82814
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
Suitable for children of all ages with dedicated areas for different developmental stages. The six nests offer age-appropriate challenges from toddlers to pre-teens.
Equipment Available
Features innovative play structures including climbing nets, rope courses, swings, slides, musical instruments, balance beams, sand play areas, and interactive water features during summer months.
Shaded Areas
Abundant shade provided by mature trees throughout the playground and specially designed fabric canopies over many play structures to protect children from sun exposure.
Seating For Parents
Numerous benches and seating areas positioned throughout the playground, allowing parents to supervise children while enjoying the natural surroundings.
Restroom Availability
Clean, family-friendly restrooms available adjacent to the playground area, with changing tables in both men's and women's facilities.
Drinking Fountains
Multiple drinking fountains, including accessible heights for children and bottle-filling stations, located near restroom facilities and throughout the play area.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
The playground is partially enclosed with natural barriers and strategic fencing to prevent children from wandering while maintaining an open, integrated feel with the surrounding park.
Surface Material
Features a mix of engineered wood fiber mulch, rubber surfacing, and natural materials that provide safety while maintaining aesthetic appeal and environmental compatibility.
Ada Accessibility
Designed with universal access principles, including accessible pathways to all play areas, transfer platforms for equipment, and sensory-friendly play options.
Cleanliness Maintenance
Exceptionally well-maintained with daily cleaning, regular equipment inspections, and prompt repairs. The playground has a dedicated maintenance staff ensuring high standards.
Additional Amenities
Nearby Parking
Large, free parking lot adjacent to the playground with designated accessible spaces close to the entrance.
Pet Policy
Dogs allowed in Shelby Farms Park but must be leashed and are not permitted within the playground boundaries. Pet relief areas and water stations are available nearby.
Bike Racks
Multiple bike racks available at the playground entrance, encouraging sustainable transportation to the park.
Nearby Food Options
The Kitchen at Shelby Farms offers farm-to-table dining near the playground. Seasonal food trucks often park nearby, and picnic areas accommodate families bringing their own meals.
Sports Areas
Adjacent to various recreational facilities including hiking trails, paddleboat rentals, and open fields for sports.
Walking / Biking Trails Nearby
Connected to over 40 miles of trails within Shelby Farms Park, including the Shelby Farms Greenline, a 10.65-mile paved trail perfect for walking, running, or biking.
Community Reviews
User Submitted Photos
Abundant user photos showcase the playground's unique design, children enjoying various features, and seasonal changes to the surrounding landscape.
Recent Reviews
Recent visitors highlight the playground's cleanliness, innovative design, and ability to entertain children for hours. Most reviews award 4-5 stars.
Crowd Levels
Busiest on weekends and holidays, especially during pleasant weather. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, making them ideal for younger children.
Special Events
Hosts regular community events, seasonal celebrations, educational programs, and occasional outdoor movies and concerts. The playground is also used for environmental education activities.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
Completely free to enter and use, as part of Shelby Farms Park's commitment to accessible public recreation.
Space For Groups
Accommodates large groups with areas suitable for gatherings, birthday parties, and educational outings. Pavilions nearby can be reserved for organized events.
Nature Connection
Designed to integrate with the natural environment, using sustainable materials and incorporating native plants to create a seamless connection with the surrounding park landscape.
Noise Level
Moderate noise levels from playing children, though the spacious design and natural surroundings help absorb sound. Generally quieter on weekday mornings.
Aesthetic Design
Award-winning design praised for its sustainability, innovation, and integration with nature. Features natural materials, artistic elements, and a layout that encourages exploration and discovery.
Safety Regulations
Security Presence
Park rangers patrol regularly, and security cameras monitor the area. Emergency phones are positioned strategically throughout the park.
Rules Restrictions
No smoking, no alcohol, children must be supervised by adults, and no commercial photography without permits. Posted rules encourage sharing, appropriate use of equipment, and respect for other visitors.
First Aid Availability
First aid kits available at nearby park facilities. Staff members are trained in basic first aid, and emergency response has quick access to the playground area.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
Regular programming includes nature education, playdates for homeschool groups, seasonal festivals, and environmental awareness events. The playground serves as a community hub for family activities.
Social Interaction
Design encourages collaborative play and social interaction between children of different ages and abilities. Layout facilitates natural gathering spaces for families to connect.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
First SITES certified sustainable playground in the world, featuring reclaimed materials, native landscaping that supports local wildlife, and educational elements about environmental stewardship.
Renewable Energy
Incorporates solar-powered lighting features and was designed to minimize energy use through passive cooling and heating principles.
Walkability Bike Access
Highly accessible by bike via the Shelby Farms Greenline and other trails. Connected to walking paths throughout the park, though somewhat limited in public transportation access from downtown Memphis.
Reviews
Shannon Eaton
5 months ago
So fun! The playgrounds are so varied in their activities and surfaces that our kids stayed busy and had a blast for hours - even in the rain. One of them does have sand and water. There are bathrooms nearby and benches throughout for anyone who may want to sit for a bit. The *only* downside was the unsupervised teens in the vicinity using foul language, but that has nothing to do with the playground itself.
View on GoogleDavid Engle
9 months ago
Fun play areas for younger kids, and plenty of picnic and seating areas. Clean bathrooms are nearby, and there was a food/drink spot set up as well with snacks and cold treats. The park itself is huge and has so many things to do for families. There are lots of playgrounds right by each other here, but if you have older kids they may be more interested in the nearby ropes course, canoeing, etc.
View on GoogleChelsey Anderson
7 months ago
We stopped here to let the kids get some energy out on a long roadtrip. This place is SO COOL! There are 4 different playground areas that kind of weave together with this awesome vine-covered trellis walkway, and it’s all surrounded by lush green trees. The area felt safe for our family, and you can tell they take pride in caring for this space! There are public restrooms near the parking lot, too. The entire Shelby Farms Park is truly beautiful, and I wish we had had more time to explore all it has to offer! I’d highly recommend this place to families looking for a safe, fun, and beautiful park in Memphis!
View on GoogleMariah Perez
a year ago
Perfect stop along our road trip to let the kids out and move! Slides were our favorite, genius how the slides are built into the side of the hills and have various ways to climb back up. All the different types of swings and cargo net course and sand pit. The treetop course was closed, but it looked so awesome.
View on GoogleWill Russell
11 months ago
Best and largest playground experience in Memphis. Many different slide options, obstacle course, swings, sandpit as well as picnic tables and open grass areas.
View on Google