The Urban Wilderness Gateway Park's new pavilion and playscape opened Feb. 5, 2026 — and kids love it!
New family-serving amenities include four bathrooms, shade structures, a water refilling station, picnic tables, and play features that include slides and climbing areas built into the slopes, using natural boulders and landscaping.
There's abundant parking, and the Gateway Park — at the southern terminus of James White Parkway, where it ends at Sevierville Pike — is strategically located. It's close to two schools, the world-class Baker Creek Bike Park, and a rich network of about 70 miles of trails.
News Release: Join the Community Celebration of Feb. 5, 2026, at the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park
Here's how Ben Epperson, an Urban Wilderness enthusiast and the City's Augusta Quarry operations manager, describes the Gateway Park's uniqueness as a public space — and how it connects the community:
The Urban Wilderness Gateway Park is Knoxville's newest gathering place, located at the unlikely intersection of a state highway and a walk in the woods. Opening day saw over 100 people, of all ages, out in freezing temperatures playing and celebrating our newest community hub.
The Gateway Park is the face of the Urban Wilderness, one of Knoxville's signature attractions. You can't miss it as you exit the terminus of James White Parkway in South Knoxville. The bright colors and innovative architecture of the playscape and pavilion structure are eye-catching wayfinding, drawing your attention toward an area that would be underutilized or otherwise misused.
Here's what makes it so special: The park is within easy (and safe!) walking distance of two schools. Both Dogwood Elementary and South-Doyle Middle are connected to the Gateway Park by less than a mile of sidewalks and greenways. This means that more than 1,000 children, and hundreds of families living in nearby homes, can access the playground safely on foot or by bike.
The park brings to life what would otherwise be a neighborhood liability. With water fountains, bathrooms, picnic tables, seating, and nighttime lighting, the Sevierville Pike overpass is like none you have ever seen. This is placemaking at its finest.
The Urban Wilderness Gateway Park makes the South Haven and South Woodlawn neighborhoods a world-class destination. We know that 'third places' that encourage play, connection, and social interaction are good for the health and prosperity of neighborhoods. When they are connected to walkable retail and opportunities for outdoor recreation, the benefits compound.
We should all be proud of the work being done in our city to create more healthy and connected neighborhoods like these.
- Ben Epperson |
Wes Soward
Urban Wilderness Coordinator
[email protected]
KnoxUrbanWilderness.com
Aerial view of the nearly-completed Baker Creek Bike Park
Knoxville's Urban Wilderness is a spectacular outdoor adventure area where you can hike, bike, climb, paddle, or just wander in the woods – all within the heart of the city. Over 60 miles of trails and greenways connect you to a beautiful nature center, pristine lakes, historic sites, dramatic quarries, adventure playgrounds, five city parks, the Tennessee River, and a 600-acre wildlife area. There's an adventure for everyone! Check out
Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness site to plan your adventure.
MORE INFORMATION
Click here to learn about the progression of past, current, and future amenities planned at the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park.