City leaders will cut the ribbon on Phase 1 of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness Gateway Park at 4 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2021, at the James White Parkway terminus. Everyone is invited to attend. 

City officials -- Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and City Council members including 1st District Councilman Tommy Smith -- and project partners from Blalock and Sons Construction, PORT Urbanism, Vaughn and Melton, Robin Easter Design, Sanders Pace Architecture and Appalachian Mountain Bike Club will join City staff and neighbors to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the $10 million Urban Wilderness Gateway Park, which includes the Baker Creek Bike Park, wayfinding signage, dedicated parking and more. 

Phase 1 investment built the park’s infrastructure: neighborhood connections, roads and greenways, lighting and utility installation. The most visible part of Phase 1 is the Baker Creek Bike Park, which was dedicated in August 2020. 

Phase 2, beginning in Fall//Winter 2021, will see construction of the adventure playground at Baker Creek Preserve, restroom facilities, shade structures and picnic areas, as well as new play features and gathering spaces.

The City of Knoxville ensures meaningful access to City programs, services and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services.

To request language interpretation services, contact Diversity and Inclusion Officer Tatia M. Harris at [email protected] or 865-215-2831. For disability accommodations, contact City ADA Coordinator Stephanie Brewer Cook at [email protected] or 865-215-2034 at least 72 hours before the meeting.