As part of the reconstruction of Fort Kid, an accessible entryway path with interactive features is being funded through a contribution of up to $250,000 from the Downtown Knoxville Alliance – bringing City and partner funding for renovating the Fort Sanders play area to a total of as much as $750,000.

Hedstrom Landscape Architecture has developed a concept for the slope and path to connect World’s Fair Park Drive with Fort Kid. The terminus of the sloped path at the top of the hill would be at a newly created accessible entrance to the play structure and a new accessible parking area.

In May and June 2020, a decaying retaining wall made of railroad ties and the 30-year-old timber play structure were removed. Beth Waters, who orchestrated the fundraising and community effort to build the original Fort Kid, worked with the City to donate some playground items like the swings, benches and fencing to area non-profits.

The Fort Kid site was regraded to create a flat area at the top of the hill for a new play structure and a more accessible path from the parking lot. The new grassy slope replaced the retaining wall, creating better connectivity between the playground, parking area and Knoxville Museum of Art.

“The City is very appreciative of the supplemental funding approved by the Downtown Alliance, as well as the slope concept developed by Hedstrom Landscape Architecture,” said Chip Barry, the City’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer. “We look forward to activating the space and creating an accessible path with interactive features.”

The Downtown Knoxville Alliance is funding the design and construction of the sloped area. Hedstrom’s concept envisions a fort-wall entrance area along World’s Fair Park Drive at the Knoxville Museum of Art, climbing features, and an observation canopy with a vantage point of World’s Fair Park and KMA sculpture gardens. Later this year, the City will develop and reveal a final design for the slope.

During March 2020, the City conducted a survey, asking people about their personal experiences with Fort Kid and asking what amenities are most valued. Nearly 400 people responded to the survey.

The survey found that playground users want to maintain certain characteristics: A mix of natural elements with vibrant features and earth tones on a unique, connected, multi-level play structure with hiding places and observation points that allow creative discovery and active exploration.

Climbing, swinging, and sliding were at the top of the list of activities, while the least important feature cited by survey respondents was flat, open play space.

The top-ranked elements included modern features like climbing walls, balance and agility features, and bridges for connectivity.

The City has budgeted $300,000 for the rejuvenation of Fort Kid, and Knoxville businessman Thomas Boyd has donated $200,000 to the project. The Downtown Alliance’s contribution brings the total project to $750,000.