MRPP works to make park feel safer after deadly downtown shooting
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis River Parks Partnership says it is adding security elements to a downtown Memphis park after a St. Jude researcher was shot and killed nearby during a robbery over the weekend.
While many were walking their dogs and exercising in Butler Park on Wednesday, MRPP was adding lighting, changing existing lighting to LED, and tending to a fire pit.
Carol Coletta, CEO of MRPP, said there also will be a “ranger” stationed in the park from 5 to 7 p.m.
“The idea is to make sure people can feel and be safe and secure and feel warm and invited,” Coletta said.
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A small memorial to Alexander Bulakhov has started in the park, which sits between Tennessee and the top of the riverfront bluff downtown. Bulakhov was shot and killed during a robbery around 7:45 Sunday evening as he walked with his wife and 2-year-old.
The two suspects charged with murder in the case made their first court appearances Wednesday.
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Coletta says her organization, which also manages Tom Lee Park, is doing what it can, but Memphis’ crime is not a one-person job.
“We have a crime issue in Memphis, and everybody knows it,” she said. “We solve crime as a community. The police can’t do it. We can’t do it just as park managers. None of us can do it by ourselves. It really does take a village, and we want to be part of that village.”
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