Knoxville TN, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon has announced a revised agreement with the Emerald Youth Foundation to develop a 13-acre complex at Chilhowee Park. This community-focused project, which involves a substantial investment of $20 to $30 million, aims to offer recreational, wellness, and educational opportunities for families and youth. Concerns have been raised about the property’s sale price and its implications for public land use. The city council is set to vote on the proposal on September 30.
Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon’s administration has announced a revision of the purchase and development agreement with Emerald Youth Foundation for a 13-acre parcel of Chilhowee Park, known as the Midway. This agreement is part of a significant investment aimed at constructing and operating a family- and youth-serving recreation, wellness, and education complex that is expected to cost approximately $20 to $30 million.
The new complex will be modeled after the Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex located in Lonsdale. The revisions to the contract come after more than a dozen community meetings held over the past two years and extensive conversations during the last six weeks. Mayor Kincannon has stated that this investment underscores a commitment to engaging with the city’s youth to create a positive, lasting impact for future generations, particularly in light of a spike in violence that was noted in 2021.
The proposed sale price for the property is set at $913,518, which aligns with the objectives outlined in the 2019 Chilhowee Park Strategic Plan. The project aims to create new opportunities and amenities for nearby families, which will support the development of new infill housing in East Knoxville and enhance the overall utilization of the park. Kincannon emphasized the importance of aligning the park’s development with community voices to ensure it becomes a world-class facility with top-notch amenities.
One significant aspect of the updated contract is the extension of the operational requirement for Emerald Youth. The operational commitment has been doubled from 20 years to a minimum of 40 years. Additionally, the Right of First Refusal, which allows the city of Knoxville to buy back the property if Emerald Youth decides to sell it, has been extended from 20 years to 40 years as well.
New provisions have been introduced to ensure that the land allocated for sports fields will always be dedicated to recreational use. Emerald Youth has also agreed to make efforts to preserve as many mature trees as possible on the property. Furthermore, the agreement guarantees open access to the facility for the entire community, not just individuals involved in Emerald Youth programming.
Despite these developments, concerns remain regarding the property’s valuation and whether the sale price is below market value. Organizations like the Freedom From Religion Foundation have raised alarms, citing potential constitutional issues related to the sale of public land to a private, religious organization. Kincannon has additionally announced a commitment of $10 million over five years for improvements to the north side of Chilhowee Park.
Community members have voiced their worries about losing public parkland and the potential effects on long-standing events such as The Fair. The Knoxville City Council is scheduled to vote on the revised proposal on September 30, 2023. Recent community consultations have been aimed at fostering improved communication and collaboration regarding the park’s future.
In conclusion, while the revisions to the agreement between Mayor Indya Kincannon’s administration and Emerald Youth Foundation promise considerable investment in community facilities, they also highlight ongoing tensions and concerns about the use of public land and its valuation.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the revised purchase agreement with Emerald Youth Foundation?
The revised purchase agreement aims to develop a family- and youth-serving recreation, wellness, and education complex on a 13-acre parcel of Chilhowee Park.
How much investment is expected from Emerald Youth Foundation?
Emerald Youth Foundation is set to invest approximately $20 to $30 million in the project.
What is the proposed sale price for the property?
The proposed sale price for the property is $913,518.
How long must Emerald Youth operate the facility?
The updated contract requires Emerald Youth to operate the facility for a minimum of 40 years.
What are the concerns regarding the sale price of the property?
Concerns have been raised about whether the sale price is below market value and the implications of selling public land to a private, religious organization.
When will the Knoxville City Council vote on the revised proposal?
The Knoxville City Council is set to vote on the revised proposal during a meeting on September 30, 2023.
Key Features of the Agreement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investment | Emerald Youth Foundation to invest approximately $20 – $30 million |
| Sale Price | Proposed sale price for property is $913,518 |
| Operational Commitment | Minimum of 40 years for Emerald Youth to operate |
| Right of First Refusal | Extended from 20 years to 40 years |
| Community Access | Facility will be open to the entire community |
| Environmental Commitments | Efforts to preserve mature trees and land for recreation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville to Sell Land for New Emerald Youth Sports Complex
Knoxville to Host Neighborhood Resource Fair
Back to School Preparations for East Tennessee Families
Knoxville Town Hall East Meeting to Focus on Parks and Elections
University of Tennessee Knoxville School Developments
Knoxville’s 2024-2025 Budget Unveiled
Chilhowee Park: The Future of Tennessee Valley Fair in Jeopardy
New Park Planned for East Knoxville
Knoxville Secures $500,000 Federal Grant for Lonsdale Park
Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- WATE News
- Google Search: Chilhowee Park
- Knox News
- Google Scholar: Emerald Youth Foundation
- WBIR News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Youth Programs
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.
