Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – The City of Knoxville will receive more than $1.14 million in state funding for a series of park, riverfront and trail improvement projects aimed at expanding outdoor recreation opportunities across the city.
Knox County lawmakers announced Thursday that Knoxville has been awarded $1,146,730 through programs administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The funding was approved as part of the state’s 2026-27 budget.
State Representatives Elaine Davis, Michele Carringer, Justin Lafferty and Dave Wright, along with Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, highlighted the investment as a major boost for local recreation and accessibility.
“These investments will create even more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get out on the water and hit the trails,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement.
Funding Split Among Three Major Projects
The city plans to use the funding for improvements at Gov. Ned McWherter Park, Suttree Landing Park and Holston River Park.
The largest portion, $746,730, will support expanded public river access projects connected to the Tennessee RiverLine initiative.
An additional $400,000 will fund new cycling amenities and trail construction at Holston River Park.
River Recreation Hub Planned at McWherter Park
One of the most significant upgrades will take place at Gov. Ned McWherter Park.
The project will transform the location into a river recreation hub featuring:
- A large multi-purpose boat dock
- Kayak storage facilities
- Kayak rental stations
- A boater staging area
- A pavilion
- New restroom facilities
City leaders say the improvements are designed to increase public access to the Tennessee River while creating additional opportunities for paddling, boating and outdoor recreation.
Accessibility Improvements Coming to Suttree Landing Park
Suttree Landing Park will receive new amenities focused on making river access easier for all visitors, including people with disabilities.
Plans include:
- Accessible kayak launch features
- Water access improvements for wheelchair users
- Additional kayak storage
- Kayak rental pods
- New native riverfront landscaping
Officials say the upgrades will make paddling opportunities more inclusive while improving the overall riverfront experience for visitors.
New Bike Facilities Planned at Holston River Park
The Recreational Trails Program funding will support new cycling attractions at Holston River Park.
Among the planned additions is a children’s bike skills area featuring a small asphalt pump track designed to help beginner riders improve balance, handling and cycling confidence.
The project will also include gravel trail connections linking the facility to Knoxville’s existing greenway network.
In addition, crews will construct a new 2,500-foot mountain bike trail using stone and native soil materials.
The trail is being designed as an adaptive Mountain Bike Trail, allowing riders with limited mobility to experience off-road cycling opportunities.
Expanding Outdoor Opportunities Across Knoxville
City and state officials say the projects support a broader effort to improve recreational access while encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy Knoxville’s parks, waterways and trail systems.
The investment will expand opportunities for boating, kayaking, cycling and adaptive recreation, while also strengthening connections to the Tennessee River and the city’s growing greenway network.
Construction timelines for the projects have not yet been announced, but officials say the funding marks a significant step forward in improving outdoor amenities and accessibility throughout Knoxville.
