The Augusta Avenue entrance to Fort Dickerson Park and Augusta Quarry is now open, following a $1.77 million project that has greatly improved quarry access while enhancing design and landscaping of one of the City’s most beautiful natural spaces.

At 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, Mayor Madeline Rogero, City Council members, City Parks and Recreation staff, project funders and members of the construction team will cut a ribbon and officially dedicate the new entrance to Fort Dickerson Park and the quarry.

Among the attendees will be representatives from the Aslan Foundation and project team members Sanders Pace Architecture, PORT Urbanism, Vaughn and Melton Consulting Engineers, and Design and Construction Services Inc. The Aslan Foundation funded the Augusta Avenue entrance’s expansive design and contributed $330,000 toward construction.

“Augusta Quarry provides an opportunity for our community to get outside, walk, bike and just enjoy the area,” said Sheryl Ely, Parks and Recreation Director. “The project provides great infrastructure with the beautiful backdrop of the quarry and trails. It is another connection to the urban and wild of the Urban Wilderness.” 

The Augusta Avenue entrance provides easy access to Augusta Quarry, where swimming is permitted.

 Improvements include a gateway with stone walls, a paved parking lot and infrastructure to support future phases that improve the quarry lake. Construction crews also planted native trees, shrubs and perennials that complement the existing forestry.

 “This project makes a significant improvement in aesthetics, safety and experience for park users,” said Rebekah Jane Montgomery, Urban Wilderness Coordinator. “We appreciate the partnership with the Aslan Foundation and the thoughtful work of the design team to enhance such a special place in our community and the Urban Wilderness.”

The Aslan Foundation funded the Augusta Avenue entrance’s design and collaborated with the City on the construction. The final design was the result of creative, interactive public meetings that Sanders Pace Architecture, PORT Urbanism and the City of Knoxville hosted.

“The Aslan Foundation supports the City of Knoxville and the Urban Wilderness Alliance through funding for parks such as Fort Dickerson,” said Andrea Bailey, Executive Director of the Aslan Foundation. “The new design of Augusta Quarry creates additional access to the community and honors the extraordinary beauty of this special place. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with the City of Knoxville, Sanders Pace Architecture and PORT Urbanism on this project.”

The 91-acre Fort Dickerson Park, a landmark feature of the Battlefield Loop portion of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, features a historic Civil War fort at its highest point and a 350-foot-deep quarry at its lowest. The high vantage point provides full vistas of the downtown skyline as well as high peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Urban Wilderness outdoor adventure area includes 1,000 forested acres and the South Waterfront. More than 50 miles of trails connect multiple parks and cultural sites within the Urban Wilderness.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or LEP (Limited English Proficient) and want to request interpretation services for the Nov. 21 public meeting, please contact Title VI Coordinator Tatia M. Harris at [email protected] or 865.215.2831. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend, contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Stephanie Brewer Cook, at 865.215.2034 or [email protected] at least 72 hours before the meeting.