Anticipated for years, but never seeming to pick up steam, a significant transformation for south Knoxville has passed another hurdle. Gulf and Ohio Railways began the official process that would open the door for the project as it has applied to abandon its 3.8-mile rail line which runs past Kern’s Food Hall at Chapman Highway and travels through to Ijams nature center. A portion will be enhanced by the Legacy Parks Foundation to include a 1.5-mile Art Walk.
Pete Claussen, Gulf and Ohio Railways Chairman, said, “As the area has changed, rail traffic has declined, we saw this unique opportunity for a rail-to-trail project within sight of the City-County building extending all the way to Meade’s Quarry at the Ijams Nature Center. Gulf & Ohio is contributing the property to help Knoxville continue to be one of best places to live in America.” It undercuts the idea that railroads are always immovable objects standing in the way of ideas for new uses.
Discussions have been underway between Legacy Parks and Gulf and Ohio Railways for nine years. While originally conceived as a trail beside the railway, the current proposal will allow the tracks to be removed entirely, providing the opportunity to provide a well-designed, hard surface trail. As I’ve tracked it
Legacy Parks has coordinated with Gulf & Ohio Railways for the past nine years on a trail that would parallel the tracks, a “rail with trail.” This “rail to trail” option now offered by Gulf & Ohio will allow the tracks to be removed and a hard surface trail to be constructed. A little bit urban and a little bit wilderness, it connects breweries and other businesses and will lead to the whole network of urban wilderness trails.
The move toward abandonment was filed within the past few weeks and approval by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) appears to be a formality. Gulf and Ohio will remove the tracks and donate the property to the City of Knoxville. The agreement allows for one year for the trail to be built, so the years of waiting should soon come to an end.
In a release, Mayor Kincannon said, “We are so excited to be able to take this project to the next level. Creating this trail and making this a part of our expansive greenway system will help increase connectivity in our City and truly make this another must-see destination in South Knoxville. The trail’s proximity to restaurants, businesses and Ijams Nature Center will also help increase foot traffic and boost business in the area. This unique trail is a great complement to all the City’s investments in South Knoxville and is a win-win for residents and visitors, alike.”
For a section of town that has seen rapid development in recent years, but recently struggled with the loss of the Gay Street Bridge connecting the area to downtown, the news is welcome. Janice Tocher, Co-Chair of the South Knoxville Neighborhood and Business Coalition said, “We are delighted that South Knoxville is leading the way with the first art trail in Knoxville thanks to the vision of Legacy Parks and others. This is sure to be a well-used trail and will bring visitors to experience our lovely area south of the river. This announcement is particularly exciting because the trail will be more accessible for all to enjoy.”
Funding for the project is largely set, thanks to a million dollar gift earlier this year from the Lawson Family Foundation. Some art has already been placed along the trail, with a sculpture placed earlier this year outside Johnson Architecture by Arts in Public Places. Expect a wide range of “engaging art installations,” to be added.
Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks said, “This Art Walk will promote the power of art as integral to other experiences. It will celebrate both the incredible creative talent we have in this community as well as the exceptional outdoor amenities.”