KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Construction is underway on a new 3.8-mile trail that will stretch from Kerns Food Hall to Ijams Nature Center.
The greenway and 1.5-mile art walk will replace railroad tracks that were owned by Gulf and Ohio Railways. Legacy Parks Foundation’s Executive Director Carol Evans said planning for this project began a decade ago. She added that they hope to finish the greenway by the end of the year.
“A lot of things changed in the project, but somehow the delay made it a better project. So waiting 10 years was worth it to be able to do what we’re able to do now,” said Evans. “It really just offers an additional resource for people who like to just get out and be in their feet or on their bikes.”
The project really started moving in December 2024, when Gulf and Ohio Railways applied to abandon the tracks and donate the property to Legacy Parks Foundation. Next, the project was approved in September 2025 by the Knoxville City Council.
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The City of Knoxville Public Works Department is managing construction of the trail, beginning with the first 1.5-mile segment from Chapman Highway to Island Home Avenue, which will open in Fall 2026 before the greenway as a whole. This segment will be an art walk funded by a $1 million gift from the Lawson Family Foundation featuring murals, sculptures, and other works by local and national artists…