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Knoxville Expands Tennessee RiverLine Initiative with Greenway Project

Families enjoying outdoor activities along the Tennessee River greenway.

News Summary

Knoxville is enhancing outdoor recreation along the Tennessee River with new partnerships and projects. The Tennessee RiverLine Initiative aims to create an uninterrupted recreational belt from Knoxville to Paducah, while a new greenway will connect neighborhoods. With significant funding, including a $500,000 grant, these developments promise improved river access and community health. The revitalization of old railroad lines into greenways emphasizes the city’s commitment to creating lively spaces for all residents. Together, these efforts create a more vibrant outdoor experience in Knoxville.

Knoxville Expands Tennessee RiverLine Initiative and Plans New Greenway Project

In a delightful turn of events for lovers of the great outdoors, Knoxville is stepping up its game in creating exciting recreational opportunities along the Tennessee River. This enchanting vision is not just a dream; it’s coming to life through fresh partnerships, progressive projects, and the enthusiastic involvement of nearly 200 dedicated individuals gathered recently at the Tennessee RiverLine Summit. Together, they are reflecting on past successes and brainstorming future adventures along this stunning waterway.

The RiverLine Initiative: A Journey from Knoxville to Paducah

The Tennessee RiverLine initiative is a bold plan to create an uninterrupted belt of outdoor recreation stretching all the way from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Paducah, Kentucky. This initiative aims to transform the Tennessee River from merely an industrial asset into a vibrant hub for recreation and culture. Everyone involved sees this as a golden opportunity not just for fun but also for improving the community’s quality of life.

In an exciting development, Tishomingo County in Mississippi has joined the River Towns program, marking a significant milestone as the first community from the state to do so. This encourages other nearby regions to look beyond their traditional use of the river and think about its potential as a space for recreation and leisure.

Funding and Future Plans for River Access

Knoxville is not just dreaming; it’s taking action with an investment aimed at enhancing river access. The community has been awarded a remarkable $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. This funding will go a long way in expanding river access, improving parks, and upgrading trails and outdoor amenities along the vast 652 miles of the Tennessee River.

Plans to amp up Holston River Park are already in motion, with a special focus on creating a kayak launch that is accessible to all. As new signage and branding for the Tennessee RiverLine start making their way across Knoxville by 2025, residents can look forward to an even more amplified outdoor experience. The objective is simple: make recreational activities more accessible and promote a healthier community.

Creating a New Greenway: Connecting Knoxville with Nature

In addition to the RiverLine initiatives, there are exciting plans in the pipeline to redevelop a rarely used railroad line into a greenway. This project aims to connect neighborhoods by transforming a stretch from Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center. Advocates are rallying to convert this old railroad line into a full-fledged greenway rather than just a mere parallel trail.

A dedicated role in this endeavor is being played by the Legacy Parks Foundation, championing the cause of transitioning this outdated rail line into a more community-friendly greenway. The initiative is already backed by a whopping $1 million committed to the SoKno Art Trail development, which is set to be an integral part of this greenway project.

Community Impact and Support

The benefits of these enhancements extend beyond nature lovers. Knoxville’s city officials see the greenway as a vital connector for neighborhoods and an essential avenue for bolstering local businesses. The idea here is to create spaces that allow for more outdoor activities, community interactions, and ultimately, a better quality of life for all.

Interestingly, the railroad company managing this line has expressed a desire to cede its operations to the city due to low usage and high maintenance costs. Since 2019, the railroad has seen an average of just 8.2 carloads per year, failing to generate adequate revenue to justify operational expenses. This gives Knoxville a unique opportunity to repurpose the line into an invigorating space for residents and visitors alike.

Overall, these developments are creating a bright future for Knoxville’s outdoor landscape, promising enhanced recreation opportunities, improved community health, and a renewed love for the beautiful Tennessee River. This ambitious vision beckons so many to take a step outside and explore the wonders that the area has to offer.