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7 Must-Know Facts About Bert Ferguson Community Center Cordova TN: Programs, History, And 2025 Events

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The Bert Ferguson Community Center and Park in Cordova, Tennessee, stands as one of Shelby County's most vital hubs for recreation, education, and cultural enrichment. As of December 2025, the center continues to be a cornerstone of the Memphis Parks system, offering a dynamic and updated schedule of classes, sports leagues, and special events that cater to all ages, from youth sports to specialized senior programming.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the center’s latest offerings, its impressive 48-acre facility, and the remarkable history of the man whose legacy of community service and media pioneering—especially in Memphis radio—is honored by its name.

The Life and Legacy of Bert Ferguson: A Memphis Pioneer

The Bert Ferguson Community Center is named after a man who left an indelible mark on the cultural and social history of Memphis, Tennessee. Bert Ferguson was not just a civic leader; he was a revolutionary in the world of radio broadcasting.

Biography and Profile:

  • Full Name: Bert Ferguson
  • Primary Occupation: Radio Pioneer, Co-founder, and President of WDIA
  • Civic Role: Former Chairman of the Memphis Parks Commission
  • Historical Significance: Co-founded WDIA in 1947 with John Pepper.
  • WDIA Impact: WDIA, originally broadcasting in 1947, made history in 1948 by becoming the first radio station in the United States to adopt an all-Black programming format.
  • Cultural Impact: By catering openly to the previously ignored African American market, WDIA became a pivotal force in the rise of blues and R&B music, launching the careers of legends like B.B. King and Rufus Thomas.
  • Legacy: Ferguson’s commitment to community service, both through his role at WDIA and his leadership on the Parks Commission, led to the dedication of the Cordova facility in his honor.

Ferguson's vision for WDIA—a station that truly served its community—mirrors the mission of the center that bears his name today: to provide essential services and opportunities to all residents of Cordova and the wider Shelby County area.

Bert Ferguson Community Center Facilities and Amenities

The Bert Ferguson Park and Community Center is a sprawling 48-acre recreational complex, managed under the umbrella of Memphis Parks. It is designed to be a complete destination for fitness, arts, and social gathering.

The 48-Acre Park Grounds

The outdoor space offers numerous opportunities for both organized and casual recreation. Key park features include:

  • Walking Trails: Extensive, well-maintained trails perfect for walking, jogging, and leisurely strolls.
  • Sports Courts: Lighted tennis courts are available for public use and organized league play.
  • Youth Sports Fields: Dedicated fields support a variety of youth sports programs, including baseball and soccer, often in partnership with organizations like i9 Sports.
  • Open Green Space: Large expanses of grass are available for picnics, free play, and large community events.

The State-of-the-Art Community Center Building

The main community center building houses specialized rooms and facilities that support the diverse range of programs offered by Memphis Parks. The building is a hub for educational development and social recreation.

  • Gymnasium: A full-size gym used for basketball, volleyball, and general "Youth Free Play" sessions, which are a staple of the center's after-school offerings.
  • Banquet Hall: A spacious area complete with a kitchen and stage, making it a highly sought-after venue for facility rentals, weddings, large meetings, and community performances.
  • Dance Studio: A dedicated space for fitness classes, including popular Zumba sessions, and various performing arts programs.
  • Racquetball Courts: Two indoor courts available for reservation.
  • Game Room and Art Room: Specialized areas for social recreation, arts and crafts classes, and educational activities.

Fresh Programs and Upcoming Events for 2025

Keeping the information current is key to the center’s mission. The Bert Ferguson Community Center has a packed calendar that extends well into 2025, demonstrating its commitment to continuous community engagement. This fresh lineup ensures the center remains a relevant resource for all Cordova and Memphis residents.

The center’s programming is structured around the five core services promoted by Memphis Parks, which include Health & Wellness, Educational Development, Arts & Culture, Social Recreation, and Sports & Athletics.

Health, Wellness, and Fitness

The center is a major provider of health and fitness services, with classes designed for all skill levels:

  • Zumba Classes: High-energy, medium-intensity dance fitness classes that are a regular fixture on the weekly schedule.
  • Core/Ab Classes: Specialized fitness programs, such as the "Core/Ab Class," are often scheduled to run for extended periods, providing consistent training opportunities throughout 2025.
  • AARP Events: The center frequently hosts AARP-sponsored activities, such as cooking classes ("Make a Tasty Tenderloin and Sides") and wellness seminars aimed at the senior community.

Major Community Festivals and Cultural Events (2025)

The center is a primary venue for large-scale, culturally significant events in Shelby County:

  • Autism Awareness Festival (April 2025): A free, annual event hosted by the Memphis Parks Health and Wellness Department to celebrate diversity, provide resources, and support the community.
  • AAPI Heritage Month Events (May 2025): The center is a key location for celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, often in partnership with local groups like the Memphis Chinese Community Center.
  • UrbanArt Commission (UAC) Initiatives: The UAC has previously used the center as a site for public art calls, ensuring the facility itself serves as a canvas for new cultural experiences and reflecting local history and tradition.

Youth and Educational Development

A strong focus is placed on providing safe, structured, and enriching activities for children and teens:

  • Youth Free Play: Scheduled sessions, such as those running in December 2025, offer supervised, unstructured recreational time in the gymnasium and game room, promoting social skills and physical activity.
  • i9 Sports Programs: The center is a major hub for i9 Sports, offering age-appropriate, quality instruction in youth baseball, soccer, and other multi-sport programs, emphasizing fun and convenience for busy families.
  • Lit Meets Rec: Though sometimes hosted at other centers, the Bert Ferguson Center is part of the larger Memphis Parks system that integrates educational activities with recreation, fostering a love for reading and learning.

How to Access Services and Get Involved

The Bert Ferguson Community Center is an accessible public resource for residents of Cordova, Memphis, and surrounding Shelby County. Its operation is a key part of the City of Memphis’ commitment to public parks and recreation.

Location and Contact Information:

  • Address: 8505 Trinity Road, Cordova, TN 38018
  • Managed By: Memphis Parks (City of Memphis)

Operating Hours (Subject to Change):

  • Park Grounds: Summer Hours (6:00 am – 8:00 pm); Winter Hours (6:00 am – 6:00 pm).
  • Community Center Building: Generally open Monday through Friday, starting at 8:00 am, with evening hours varying based on scheduled programs and events.

To ensure you have the most up-to-date information on class registration, facility rental availability (including the banquet hall), and specific program times, it is always recommended to check the official Memphis Parks and Recreation website or contact the center directly. The center is a dynamic entity, with its schedule constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community it serves.

The center also encourages community involvement, including park adoption programs, which highlight a strong civic partnership with local groups like The New Black Panther Party, who have adopted the park to help maintain its beauty and utility for all visitors. Whether you are looking for a new fitness routine, a safe place for your children to play, or a venue for your next major event, the Bert Ferguson Community Center remains a vibrant, essential resource in the Cordova community.

bert ferguson community center cordova tn
bert ferguson community center cordova tn

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