Blog: City Blog

Wide, Tree-lined Sidewalks Will Connect to Stadium - and So Will Future Greenways

Imagine taking a pleasant walk on tree-lined wide sidewalks through the Old City to get to and from a baseball game, a soccer match or a concert at Covenant Health Park.

Where to eat, or shop? You'll pass lots of tempting choices even before you reach the stadium.

Dozens of trees will green up the new public spaces around the stadium. The four plazas surrounding Covenant Health Park are, combined, considerably bigger than downtown's Market Square, and a prominent water feature will be incorporated into the west-side plaza entrance.

In the not-too-distant future, look for greenway connections to be built: a pedestrian corridor between the stadium and the nearby First Creek at Austin community, and a First Creek Greenway extension connecting Magnolia and Jackson avenues.

"Great cities are walkable and welcoming," Mayor Indya Kincannon said. "We're creating that functionality and that vibe around the stadium.

"Just a few years ago, the city blocks between the Old City and East Knoxville had been a no-man's land - a dilapidated, empty, abandoned area. Soon, they will be vibrant and re-energized new public spaces."

Trees and public plazas

Along East Jackson, 17 trees will be planted in deep protected root boxes alongside Jackson Avenue, between permeable pavers.

Some of the first trees have already been planted near the stadium.

Some of the first trees have already been planted near the stadium.

The four public plazas around the stadium total 61,400 square feet.

The largest one, the 45,000-square-foot City Plaza, off Willow Avenue, is a little larger than an acre. It will include 12 benches, 30 trees, six bike pads, the stadium's ADA entrance, and a splash pad.

It connects with the West Plaza, off Jackson Avenue. This plaza - 8,100 square feet - includes four benches, four trees and a grand staircase entrance to the stadium.

On the east side of the stadium, the smaller East Plaza at Jackson and Florida Street (5,700 square feet) and the Florida Plaza at Florida and Willow (2,600 square feet) also contain trees, planters and a staircase entrance.

The shaded plazas surrounding the stadium will be larger than Market Square.

The shaded plazas surrounding the stadium will be larger than Market Square.

Central and Willow Streetscape Upgrades

Work is underway on the Central Street and Willow Avenue Streetscape Project.

Look for new ADA flat and wide sidewalks to be built on the east side of Central Street between Willow and Summit Hill Drive, as well as along the south side of Willow Avenue.

Streetscape upgrades are underway along parts of Central Street and Willow Avenue in the Old City.

Streetscape upgrades are underway along parts of Central Street and Willow Avenue in the Old City.

New street lights are being installed. Lacebark elms are among the 12 trees being planted.

Those unsightly overhead utility lines? They're being relocated below ground.

The streetscape project has officially begun - as has the transformation of walkability in the area. Old City visitors should plan for and anticipate street and sidewalk detours through April.

There is no longer any on-street parking on Willow Avenue. That's due to construction and, long term, the need for more room to accommodate pedestrians walking to and from the stadium.

In addition, as the streetscape work progresses, anticipate sidewalk closures on the south side of Jackson between Morgan Street and the stadium; on the east side of Central between Summit Hill and Willow; and on the south side of Willow between Central and the stadium.

Posted by evreeland On 21 February, 2025 at 2:07 PM