KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Augusta Quarry is getting a makeover. On Monday, March 4, the quarry will be closed as crews begin a nine-month project to add first-ever restrooms, an expanded overlook, an improved pedestrian path to the water and new floating beach and swim platforms, according to the city of Knoxville.
The city of Knoxville said the amenities of the quarry are expected to open late this fall. They also said they spent more than $5 million to complete the project.
"I think that people are investing in South Knoxville because they see that they're, they see that there's a sense of pride, really, in the community and in the city neighborhoods," said Jimmy Ryan, project manager at Johnson Architecture. "When you think about it, you've got downtown right over here, and we're just a skip away from all that hustle and bustle. It's just, it's kind of a nice contrast between urban living and natural resources."
In April 2023, crews started the second phase of the Augusta Quarry Project. During this phase, crews constructed bathhouses and kiosks as well as improvements to the pedestrian path down the water, a waterfront pier and floating docks.
“For many years, transformations have been underway to enhance the unique characteristics of this once abandoned industrial property, and the current phase of work will anchor Ft. Dickerson Park as a gem of the Urban Wilderness,” Wes Soward, the city's Urban Wilderness coordinator, said. "This has truly been a public-private collaboration, with valuable community input, and the end result will be an Augusta Quarry that’s more family-friendly and accessible to more people.”
While the quarry and Augusta Avenue entrance and parking lots will be closed, Soward said the Chapman Highway entrance to Fort Dickerson Park and picnic areas will remain open. The park’s upper trails also will remain open.
"That's really the beauty of Knoxville, amazing natural assets, really, right in the heart of our city, which is very unusual to have that in the heart of a city," said Carol Evans, from the Legacy Parks Foundation.