Tillman Sculpture Park Project

The Tillman Sculpture Park (TSP) has been a collaborative, community-driven public space that is shaping up to be a success in the Binghampton neighborhood. The lot, once derelict, overgrown, and littered with glass, has now been renovated. TSP aims to create greenspace that will host sculptures, increase community collaborations, encourage apprenticeships and organize more events.

Though TSP has just undergone renovation and is in the final stages of construction completion, it has already begun to bring the neighborhood together by focusing on neighborhood issues and community partnerships. Over the period of a total of four phases, we hope to renovate the parcel with beautiful native plants and erect fifteen sculptures. We anticipate that this will bring together a variety of community organizations and volunteers through service projects.

TSP is an environment where people can work together, feel empowered with opportunities and skills while transforming their neighborhood. TSP is a space, statement, and environmental symbol of "growth." Binghampton's geographical history began as a small town outside of the city of Memphis. Immersed in farmland and railroads, Binghampton resided south of the Pope Cotton Plantation. According to the 1900 U.S. Census, the neighborhood reflects early inhabitants of various backgrounds and more specifically, a Black collective of citizens who worked predominantly on farms and railroads. We believe that from the complexities of history, a blossom of arts and culture emerged and continues to manifest on the landscapes of Binghampton and throughout the city.

Through the birth of TSP, we hope to uncover more of Binghampton’s history and identity, and pay homage to the joy, wonder, and satisfaction to the creative identity as a neighborhood. Partners for Plants would be instrumental in TSP’s future, as only half of the lot has been renovated and invasive species still remain. Poison ivy covers the trees and the perimeter of the lot, making it difficult for staff and volunteers.