KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville city leaders accepted a $200,000 donation to renovate Fort Kid on Tuesday night.
BACKGROUND:
The well-known community playground near the Sunsphere was built more than 28 years ago, but temporarily closed in November 2018 when a Knox County Health Department inspection revealed a number of structural issues and safety hazards -- such as exposed nails, trip hazards, splintered wooden components, and a decayed retaining wall supporting the play area.
The playground has been in dire need of repairs and upgrades in order to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Businessman Thomas Boyd announced last June that he would pledge $200,000 toward a public-private collaboration to re-energize and upgrade Fort Kid.
WHAT'S NEXT:
The city plans to hold a meeting on Thursday to get ideas about renovating the park.
The city also posted a site analysis online along with a survey for what people want. The survey will be up for the rest of the month.
Paper copies will be handed out Thursday at the meeting. It's set for 5:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Museum of Art.
The city said the park will now close on April 6 for renovations.