KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Dozens of East Knoxville residents attended the first Chilhowee Park Advisory meeting on Tuesday to share ideas on how to update Chilhowee Park. Mayor Indya Kincannon said the city will allocate $10 million for future projects over the next five years.
The meeting at the Jacob Building marked the first time the public could weigh in on future plans for the park. The gathering comes after public backlash over the city’s attempt to sell land near the park.
“Excitement in the community here. The city and the mayor and Councilman Grant and the excitement from people to see a real change in East Knoxville tonight,” said Keith Foster, a member of the Chilhowee Park Advisory Group.
Foster is one of 17 people on the new advisory group. Sherene Jacobs, who owns Perk City coffee shop near the park, also serves on the group.
“It’s got such a great potential to make this a place where everyone wants to come,” Jacobs said.
Residents offered suggestions including less concrete and more grass, bike paths and walking areas, and keeping the fair at the park.
“It’s the most important economic driver to this community is the fair and I want to see more interest raised by the community to see it needs to stay,” said Fred Kueber, a Knoxville resident.
“A lot of them just want a place where they can gather with their family and have festivals or food trucks maybe or some kind of event in the evening, but also be able to enjoy the park as a park,” Jacobs said.
The 17-member advisory group will develop a master plan for the more than century-old park.
Mayor Indya Kincannon said the city is looking at Chilhowee as a park for the first time in decades, not just an event venue.
Chilhowee Park (WVLT)
