The City of Knoxville has all the right ingredients to help people enjoy the outdoors and explore new recreational activities.

In just the last few weeks the City has:

• Celebrated major progress around the Urban Wilderness
• Repaired, repaved, and reopened the Third Creek Greenway—the City’s oldest greenway
• Officially opened up the new interactive mural at Fort Kid Park
• And, officially cut the ribbon on $5.5 million in renovations at Morningside Park

Check out these new amazing assets in the City!



New Amenities Coming to the Urban Wilderness


The new $2.6 million Baker Creek Preserve Pavilion – hardscape areas, picnic tables, a water-filling station, parking spaces, and yes, much-requested restrooms! – will open sometime early in the new year.

ICYMI, it's been a busy last few months in terms of City investments and construction throughout the Urban Wilderness. More is coming.

In November, Mayor Indya Kincannon, City Council members and South Knoxville neighborhood advocates cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially opened the City’s newest sidewalk on Lancaster Drive.

The $1.5 million Lancaster Drive sidewalk was the City’s third major investment in pedestrian corridors in the past year – following the openings of Atlantic Avenue and Texas Avenue sidewalks. The three projects reflect a nearly $6 million City investment to enhance public safety while also connecting great spaces and neighborhoods. (Coming next: A $2 million streetscape project in Burlington.)

Click here to learn more about upcoming projects in the Urban Wilderness area.



Third Creek Greenway Gets a Fresh Look


Third Creek Greenway–the City’s first greenway and a much-used public thoroughfare for commuters, walkers and cyclists received a major makeover this year.

In July 2023, City Council approved a contract with APAC Atlantic, Inc. of Knoxville for $331,923.75 to resurface approximately 7,575 linear feet of the Third Creek Greenway from S. Concord Street to Sutherland Avenue. 

In its 50 years, Third Creek experienced standard wear and tear. Heavy rains and flooding, as well as erosion and plant growth, contributed to numerous issues. 

The greenway closed October 28 and reopened on November 16. 



New Interactive Mural Continues the Fun at Fort Kid Park


On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, City officials including Mayor Indya Kincannon officially opened the new mural by artist Dustin Durham at Fort Kid Park.

Durham, along with those who came out for community paint days, created a colorful, activity filled space along the concrete sidewalk and retaining walls leading to the park.

Prompts on squares of the multicolor surface entice players to answer questions to move up and down the “game board”. This also serves as another way to increase connectivity between the Park and the neighboring Knoxville Museum of Art.

Funding for the mural project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act. Those funds, distributed by the US Department of Treasury, were allocated after Mayor Kincannon proposed, and City Council approved, a plan for the Art and Culture Alliance to administer grants to support local art and culture projects to aid in the COVID-19 recovery process. These grants help by providing jobs and education, boosting tourism, and providing community benefit.

The crosswalk will have a separate painted design installed in early Spring 2024.



Morningside Park Gets Renovations and a BlueCross Healthy Place



Representatives from the City of Knoxville and the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the BlueCross Healthy Place at Morningside Park in East Knoxville on Thursday, December 14.

The park, located adjacent to downtown, is surrounded by university and multi-family apartments, as well as a high-rise community for seniors, including those with disabilities. Two elementary schools are also within walking distance. The park sits on a city bus line, making it easily accessible to visitors from other areas of the city.

BlueCross Healthy Places are designed to strengthen communities across Tennessee by providing neighbors with spaces for connection and healthy activity.

Features in the BlueCross Healthy Place include:

• Multipurpose field with bleachers
• Playgrounds for children ages 2-5 and 5-12
• Challenge course
• 40-yard dash
• Fitness area
• Walking trail
• Community pavilion