News Summary
Knoxville, Tennessee has landed a $500,000 federal grant to initiate the Lonsdale Park project. This funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development will kickstart development plans for a park on the site of the former Sam E. Hill School. With a total of $4 million earmarked for development, the park will feature play areas, a sports center, and green spaces. This project aims to enrich the community and is expected to be completed by late 2026.
Knoxville Hits a Home Run with $500,000 Federal Grant for New Park Project!
Exciting news is lighting up Knoxville, Tennessee! The city has just secured a whopping $500,000 federal grant to kickstart the ambitious Lonsdale Park project. This generous funding comes straight from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and was officially approved during a lively city council meeting on Tuesday. What’s even better? The city doesn’t need to chip in any matching funds!
A Deeper Dive into Lonsdale Park
The Lonsdale Park isn’t just another open space—it’s set to transform a piece of land that was once the home of the Sam E. Hill School. With the city leaders already earmarking an impressive $4 million for the first phase of development, this park is shaping up to be a community gem. The federal grant will help take care of some of the planning and design costs to ensure the park meets the community’s needs.
Residents can eagerly look forward to the park boasting a variety of features including play and fitness areas, a dedicated sports center, and vast green spaces. Construction is expected to get underway later this year, and with phases planned out, completion of the full project is anticipated by late 2026.
What Will Lonsdale Park Bring to the Community?
As the plans continue to take shape, the city has already set aside $1 million in the 2023-2024 budget specifically for the Lonsdale Park project. In total, around $2.5 million has been allocated in past city budgets for this landmark development, with construction costs estimated at about $4 million.
Not only will the park feature amenities such as playground equipment, biking and skating paths, but it will also include a 1/3 mile multi-use trail as well as an outdoor fitness station. And let’s not forget the rich traditions of the community; plans have already been discussed to host the annual Lonsdale Homecoming festivities right in the park!
Excitement Isn’t Just at Lonsdale Park
What can you expect from the proposed facilities? Indoor and outdoor fields, outdoor basketball courts, community rooms, learning centers, fitness areas, and even a health center are all part of the grand design! The Emerald Youth Foundation is looking to actively collaborate with regional medical providers and housing developers to create a supportive environment for the youth.
Listening to Voices of the Community
Regardless of the challenges, the attention to community engagement is proving vital in refining the design and programming of both the Lonsdale Park and the youth complex. Knoxville is on a promising journey to enrich its neighborhoods, celebrate its heritage, and bring folks together in meaningful ways!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville City Council to Discuss Zoning Changes and Funding
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Federal Money for Lonsdale Park
- Knox News: Emerald Youth Sports Complex Proposal
- WBIR: Knoxville Receives Federal Funds for Lonsdale Park
- Google Search: Lonsdale Park Knoxville
- Knox Focus: Neighborhoods Lonsdale
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
