East Knoxville park could see changes, community voices input

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Neighbors shared their thoughts on proposed improvements to Holston River Park during a public meeting Thursday.

City leaders are partnering with Appalachian Mountain Bike Club to plan upgrades to the East Knoxville park.

The meeting was held at at Williams Creek Golf Course on Thursday.

The city recently approved a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan aimed at highlighting what’s working and what needs improvements across all city parks.

“Within that, we noticed that there’s certainly some holes within Knoxville’s community as far as access is concerned and features and these sorts of things. And so we teamed up with the city of Knoxville,” said Matthew Kellogg, director for the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC).

AMBC is working with the city to apply for a federal grant to add new features to Holston River Park. The proposal includes a bike track and bike ramps placed along the current walking trail. Another feature would be specific trails for bikes, scooters, skates and anything with wheels.

“There’s an upper woodland area at Holston River Park that is right now unused and could really benefit by having a little bit of access in through those areas,” Kellogg said.

Stephanie Best, who visits the park often, said the upgrades could bring more people to the area.

“I think this park is really underrated,” Best said. “It’s a huge park and it’s a really nice view and lots of trails to walk. So yeah, I think it’s a great idea.”

Best said the park offers neighbors space to eat outside, take a walk and a playground for children, but could use new features.

Kellogg said the goal is to make parks easier to use for people across the city.

“We want to make sure that folks in north, south and East and West Knoxville all have great access to these things,” Kellogg said.

The city is also seeking input on a separate proposal to partner with Tennessee RiverLine on a project to improve and connect Gov. Ned McWherter/Riverside Landing Park and Suttree Landing Park.

The proposal includes amenities that expand access to the Tennessee River for recreation and restore native riparian habitat while connecting river users with non-motorized boating access across the river.

A public meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 6-7 p.m. at Cecil Webb Recreation Center, 923 Baker Ave.