New Greenway Trail Approved for South Knoxville

News Summary

Knoxville is set to transform a 3.8-mile abandoned rail line into a beautiful greenway trail, enhancing community access and enjoyable outdoor experiences. The project includes a 1.5-mile Art Walk and aims to connect Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center. With promises of vibrant art installations, scenic bridges, and proximity to local restaurants and breweries, the greenway is poised to boost local business and offer exciting recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Exciting New Greenway Trail Approved for South Knoxville!

Knoxville is buzzing with excitement as plans have just been approved for a brand-new trail that will make the community even more accessible and picturesque! The city is set to transform a 3.8-mile abandoned rail line in South Knoxville into a stunning greenway trail that caters to outdoor lovers, art enthusiasts, and everyone in between.

What’s Happening?

The Gulf and Ohio Railways has recently sought to abandon this rail line, signaling their intention to hand over the land to the city. This generous move is aimed at paving the way for the new greenway project. The planned trail will serve as a fantastic connector from Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center — and what’s even more thrilling is the inclusion of a 1.5-mile “Art Walk” that is bound to attract not just locals but visitors from all over.

Aesthetic and Nature at Its Best

With the collaboration of the Legacy Parks Foundation, this project promises to blend urban and natural elements seamlessly. Expect to see features like tunnels, canyons, and two elevated bridges that will make your walks and bike rides feel like an adventure! Imagine cruising along while admiring not just the views but also vibrant art installations designed to make your stroll truly memorable.

A Boost for Businesses

There’s more than just nature at play here. The trail plans also include a pass by several trendy restaurants and breweries located on Sevier Avenue. This means that while you’re enjoying all the green, you can stop by for a bite or a refreshing drink, making your trail experience as enjoyable as possible.

Community Collaboration

The diligent folks at the Legacy Parks Foundation have been working alongside Gulf and Ohio Railways for an impressive nine years to bring this vision to life. Their hard work has recently been rewarded with a stunning $1 million donation from the Lawson Family Foundation to help fund the art portion of the trail. This investment signals a vibrant commitment to the arts and to the community’s cultural landscapes.

Current Status and Future Plans

As of now, the project is in the concept design phase, and construction will kick off once everything is fully funded. The Surface Transportation Board has granted a one-year timeline to develop this exciting plan following the approval of abandonment. Keeping an eye on this timeline, the community is eager to see the transformation unfold.

Connected and Vibrant Neighborhoods

Local officials emphasize the importance of connectivity. Knoxville Councilperson Tommy Smith points out just how trails enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods. As part of the larger vision, the new greenway will integrate with the previously announced SoKno Art Trail, establishing two main trailheads for easy access. This blend of nature and art promises to create an enviable recreational atmosphere that encourages people to explore.

Building Momentum

Furthermore, the Legacy Parks Foundation is hard at work, raising additional funds to match that initial $1 million going towards the project. With enthusiastic support from Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, who believes the trail will enhance South Knoxville’s charm and fuel business growth, excitement for the project continues to build.

Why the Rail Abandonment?

It’s important to understand why this rail line is being abandoned. The Knoxville and Holston River Railroad Company managing the line reported a significant drop in rail traffic with a meager average of 8.2 carloads shipped annually. Given the high costs of operations exceeding $90,000, plus deferred maintenance expenses topping $3 million, including those tricky tunnel upkeep costs, the decision was essentially a no-brainer.

The Future Looks Bright

As residents await the expected response from the Surface Transportation Board by the end of January regarding the abandonment, there’s palpable anticipation in the air. This reimagined trail is not just another path; it symbolizes a transformative opportunity for South Knoxville, enhancing connectivity and accessibility to local attractions. The community is ready, and it looks like the future is indeed looking bright!