KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville City Council has authorized plans for a $4.6 million pavilion and plaza in Urban Wilderness Gateway Park.
The project is one of the final pieces of the Urban Wildnerness multi-year public amenities plan. The park is located at the southern end of James White Parkway, serving as a connector to an area with more than 68 miles of trails.
The 23,000-square-foot structure will include four bathrooms, a water refilling station and picnic tables. It will also include a series of new play structures, such as slides and climbing areas.
City Urban Design and Development Chief Jane Justice believes these family-friendly additions to Urban Gateway will increase attraction from the community.
“The Urban Wilderness has truly come into its own as an outdoor adventure destination—it’s no longer a secret,” Justice said. “With the existing parking and these new family-friendly facilities, the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park will become a true stepping-off point for Knoxville families as they set off on both big and small adventures,”.
Construction in the park is set to be completed in late 2025.
In addition to the pavilion, work continues on several greenway segments that will connect the South Waterfront and Urban Wilderness to other points north of the Tennessee River.
