Working together, the City of Knoxville and Emerald Youth Foundation have revised the contract for a 13-acre parcel of Chilhowee Park, known as the Midway, to better align with community feedback. 

Per the contract, Emerald will invest approximately $20 - $30 million to build and operate a new family- and youth-serving recreation, wellness and education complex. The project would be similar to its Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex in Lonsdale. 

After listening to feedback from more than a dozen meetings held over the last two years and extensive community conversations over the past six weeks, the City agrees with the following notable improvements to the contract: 

- Doubling the restriction period from 20 to 40 years, meaning that the property must be used for the purposes put forth in the proposal for a minimum of 40 years.

- The Right of First Refusal period has likewise been extended from 20 to 40 years.

 - A perpetuity restriction period for the property where the sports fields are located, guaranteeing they would be used for recreational use forever, instead of the original 20 years.

- A commitment to keep as many mature, existing trees as possible, formally stated in the contract.
 
- A written commitment regarding accessibility by the community at large, including an open green space playing field. 

“This is an investment in our children,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon.” We vowed in 2021 —when our City was seeing a spike in deadly shootings– to look for more ways to engage our youth. This opportunity will have a positive and lasting impact for generations to come.

“I also want the community to know that we heard your suggestions and concerns, loud and clear. That is why the City is making some commitments beyond the contract with Emerald.” 

Those include:

    A $10 million commitment by the City to fund improvements to the north side of Chilhowee Park, in addition to investments by the Muse and Zoo Knoxville—That means $2 million a year for 5 years, the same as our commitment to Lakeshore Park
    And, the formation of an East Knoxville Advisory Group, similar to the one created to help guide changes to the City’s South Waterfront

“Working together, with public and private partnerships, we can have a world class park, top notch amenities, and a safe place for families that reflects the voices of East Knoxville neighbors,” added Mayor Kincannon.

Emerald Youth Foundation has proposed buying the property, south of Magnolia Avenue, for $913,518.  The Administration believes this investment aligns with the 2019 Chilhowee Park Strategic Plan. It will create new opportunities and amenities for nearby families, financially support new infill housing, and reinvigorate daily, year-round usage and more investment in the main, larger part of Chilhowee Park north of Magnolia. 

For more information, including an updated FAQ page that reflects questions from the Sept.15 public meeting, go to www.knoxvilletn.gov/chilhoweeparkproposal.