Urban Wilderness and Historic Corridor
The 1,000 acre Urban Wilderness and Historic Corridor paralleling the South Knoxville Waterfront Development will contain three civil war forts, historic settlement sites, and diverse ecological features and recreational amenities. The project requires the acquisition of several critical parcels of land, including properties that house the Civil War battle sites of Ft. Stanley and Ft. Higley. Ft. Dickerson, a restored site, lies between these two properties and offers Knoxville the unique prospect of three contiguous Civil War forts.
A critical link for the Corridor is the purchase of the River Bluff Wildlife Area.
The River Bluff Wildlife Area, slated for condominium development as the third phase of the Woodlands development on Cherokee Trail, is a 70-acre parcel that will protect the most significant green space and bluff across the river from downtown Knoxville. Once purchased and protected, it will become a city wildlife area with walking trails, two ponds and river access within a lush forest.
The catalyst for Corridor was the purchase of the Log Haven Conservation Area.
A lush, 95-acre tract rich with historical significance, this property includes a portion of Fort Higley and an abundance of nature hardwoods and native species. The Log Haven property and Fort Higley properties were recently purchased by the Aslan Foundation to preserve the natural and historical integrity of the land. If the Corridor property is assembled, the Aslan Foundation will include this property in the Wilderness Corridor.
The corridor links the assets of the existing Knoxville parks, Ijams Nature Center, and the future wilderness properties into an incredible historical, recreational, cultural and environmental experience.
The Corridor allows us to protect the scenic viewsheds that define Knoxville. The properties are visible from most areas of the city but particularly important to the viewshed from downtown Knoxville. Development of these properties would change the character of the city.
It ignites heritage tourism. The collected assets of this Corridor – recreational, environmental, educational and historical – tell the story of our community through an experience quite marketable to visitors.
It promotes a healthy community The Wilderness Corridor creates new opportunities to recreate by increasing our park acreage, linking our existing parks, and expanding the greenways and natural trail system. Above all, this forested area contributes to the overall health of our air and water
It creates an economic boost for South Knoxville. Studies consistently prove that property values for homes located in proximity to parks and green space increase in a range from 13 to 25 percent. Commercial property values increase an average of 12 percent. This wilderness corridor will bring needed economic value to neighborhoods in transition.
It enhances the South Waterfront Development. The Corridor parallels Knoxville's South Waterfront Development and will both drive growth to the flat, developable areas within the waterfront development zone and provide a green backdrop to frame Knoxville's waterfront. The Corridor's cultural, historical and recreational assets provide additional incentives to live, work and visit the south waterfront.
Your help is needed to make it happen. The purchase of Fort Stanley and River Bluff Wilderness Area are critical to creating the Urban Wilderness and Historic Corridor. We have a limited time to raise the money needed to secure and protect these historically valuable properties. Please show your support today.
Fort Stanley Ridge
A 22-acre wooded parcel off Chapman Highway containing the Civil War fort where Union troops from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio joined the 8th Tennessee and 16th Kentucky regiments to protect the southern approaches to Knoxville. This land also provides a key green backdrop that frames the cityside view of the south waterfront.
Fort Higley
A seven-acre parcel adjacent to Log Haven, a seven-acre parcel containing a critical portion of Fort Higley. During the 17-day Siege of Knoxville and the Battle of Fort Sanders, Fort Higley served as the western anchor of the Federal line, protecting the city from Confederate troops stationed on Cherokee Heights.
Fort Dickerson Park
An 85-acre scenic city park, said to be the best preserved of all earthworks forts dating from the Civil War days, now stands as evidence of the fort's role in defending Knoxville from Confederate General Longstreet's advance on the city.
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Downtown Dog Park
Downtown Dog Park Needs Support
Knoxville continues it's quest to become the most pet-friendly community in the country with the addition of a dog park in downtown Knoxville. The new dog park, located at the intersection of Summit Hill and Central Avenue is made possible through a generous $100,000 donation from PetSafe headquartered in Knoxville.
Friends of the Downtown Dog Park are seeking additional funds to fully implement the dog park design created by the East Tennessee Community Design Center and Carol R. Johnson & Associates landscape architects.
Planned features of the Downtown Dog Park include:
- • Large dog and small dog areas
- • Decorative landscape wall with ornamental iron fence
- • Two double-gated entry vestibules
- • Crushed stone perimeter walking path
- • Vine-covered shade pavilion with bulletin boards
- • Sod lawns
- • Shade and flowering trees, native perennial shrubs and grasses
- • In-ground irrigation system
- • Security and decorative lighting
- • Benches, drinking fountains, waste receptacles, bike racks
- • Public art
The initial fundraising goal is $15,000 raised by June 1st. Funds raised beyond that period will go towards additional amenities, including benches, waste receptacles, trees and shrubs.
You may contribute online to the Downtown Dog Park or by mail to: Downtown Dog Park, Legacy Parks Foundation, 525 Market Street, Suite 1203, Knoxville, TN 37992. All contributions are tax deductible.
For more information visit www.cityofknoxville.org or contact Madeleine Weil, Deputy Director of Policy & Communications, City of Knoxville at 215-2680 or mweil@cityofknoxville.org or Blake Valentine, PetSafe, Inc. at 218-4046, bvalentine@petsafe.net
Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge
Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge, a 360-acre wildlife sanctuary on the edge of east Knox County, is poised to be one of the southeast's most treasured natural and historic parks.
Seven Islands is a rich natural habitat with over 150 species of birds found in the refuge, including a pair of nesting bald eagles. The French Broad River, which borders the park, holds over 50 species of fish – more varieties than found on the entire European continent. Hiking trails wind up the ridges and down to the waterfront. A boat launch allows easy access to the river. It is a site to be treasured and studied.
Thirteen research projects are currently underway at Seven Islands. The properties' rich history nearly equals its natural assets. The six historic structures on the property tell the story of the settlement of our region. Evidence of early industry still remains on the river's edge and throughout the property are reminders of our origins as a community. Given its historic and natural significance, a second phase of planning is underway to make Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge a signature educational, recreational and research haven of national stature.
Highland Neighborhood Park
In 2006, concerned neighbors founded the Highland Drive Neighborhood Association in response to the proposed auction by the City of Knoxville of a vacant one-acre green space adjacent to their homes on Highland Drive. This street, located in an historic section of Fountain City in north Knoxville, is characterized by many eighty to ninety year old homes on large, treed lots of one-half acre or more.
The property is an undeveloped lot with mature hardwood trees and a natural spring that was donated to the city in the early 1900s to be used as a park and water source for the community.
The Highland Drive Neighborhood Association's primary goal is to protect and maintain this parcel as a public access green-space. The city, the community of Fountain City, the residents of Highland Drive and of adjacent streets will all benefit from preserving this natural green space in a heavily urban area. The property, when kept in its natural state, can offer a quiet place with live springs, ancient trees, native vegetation, and wildlife habitat.
In Spring 2008 the Association negotiated a contract with the city of Knoxville to provide for planning, development and maintenance of this parcel as a city park, with the city retaining ownership of the property.
Initial support for the project has come from donated services, fundraising events and contributions. A University of Tennessee landscape architecture class created the park design and Cortese Tree Specialists provided advice and tree removal.
Looking forward, the Association needs to raise Phase I funds for tree and shrub purchases and ongoing maintenance. A Phase II project would clean out the natural spring opening and place boulders and rocks for the streambed.
The goal is to raise $5,000 and complete the initial design and development phase in 2009.
You may support the effort by contributing here or mailing your contribution to: Highland Neighborhood Park, Legacy Parks Foundation, 625 Market Street, Suite 1203, Knoxville, TN 37902.
Fountain City Skatepark
The Fountain City Skatepark will be a public, free of charge, skatepark in the heart of the north Knoxville community. The park will be on existing, city-owned land and be operated and maintained as a city park.
The concept for the park was created through a collaborative effort of parents, youth, community leaders and city officials. The plaza will have approximately 7200 square feet of paved skateboard area, a small gazebo/shelter, bleacher, parking, and sidewalk.
The Fountain City Skatepark will primarily serve skateboarders in Fountain City, North Knoxville, and the Halls community in Knox County. Many of the skateboarders in Fountain City are currently skating on parking lots and on the steps of businesses and churches, and there is an overwhelming need for a public, safe place for the youth in the community and surrounding areas to skateboard.
The Fountain City Skateboard Task Force is currently leading the effort to raise the $130,000 needed for materials and construction costs. Contribute now or find out more at www.skatefountaincity.com.