New boat docks, kayak rental stations and upgraded landscaping are coming to three Knoxville riverfront parks after the city was awarded $1.15 million from the state.
The upgrades split $400,000 to Holston River Park and $746,730 between Gov. Ned McWherter Park and Suttree Landing Park. Here's what's planned for each location:
- Gov. Ned McWherter Park (1648 Riverside Drive, under the James White Parkway): Money from the Local Parks and Recreation Fund will go toward a "river recreation hub" at this park, located on the north side of the river just east of James White Parkway, according to a news release from state lawmakers representing Knox County. Other upgrades include a boat dock, boater staging area, pavilion, restrooms and a station for kayak rentals and storage.
- Holston River Park (3300 Holston Hills Road): Money from the state's Recreational Trail Program will go toward a beginner bike skills area and gravel greenway connectors at this park on the north side of the river near Boyd's Bridge.
- Suttree Landing Park (1001 Waterfront Drive): This South Knoxville park along the south side of the river near Sevier Avenue will receive new native plants, kayak storage and accessibility features for people with disabilities.
Funding for all three projects was approved by the General Assembly in the 2026-27 state budget. The city will distribute the funds in partnership with the Tennessee RiverLine, an initiative led by the University of Tennessee at Knoxville focused on expanding access and recreation along the Tennessee River.
The projects come at a time of rapid growth along the Knoxville riverfront. Knoxville's Community Development Corporation,
the city's development arm, is seeking a developer to transform 15 acres across the river from the UT campus with trails, river access and a mixed-use building, according to conceptual renderings.
Another South Knoxville project, the SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk, began work this year to convert 3.8 miles of railroad tracks into a pedestrian trail from Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center.
Sophia Tiedge is the growth and transformation reporter for Knox News. Email: sophia.tiedge@knoxnews.com
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knoxville adding boat docks, kayak storage, trails at three riverside parks
