Knox County plans to build a $2 million greenway connector from Clayton Park to Halls Elementary School. The project also calls for filling in several notable sidewalk gaps throughout the area and eventually creating the missing link that joins the exiting greenway system located on either side of Maynardville Highway.
Half of the funding will come from an almost $1 million state grant the county recently received as part of the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Access Grant program, which was created to support the transportation needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users through infrastructure projects that address existing gaps along state routes.
“We are committed to providing opportunities for everyone to thrive in an engaged and vibrant community,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. “One of the ways we do that is supporting the expansion of outdoor assets like this.”
The Mayor credited Commissioner Justin Biggs with bringing the matter to his attention.
“I’m thankful to be able to work with the Mayor and his amazing team because the hard work and dedication has led to the Halls Greenway Extension becoming a reality,” Biggs said. “Many Knox County citizens will benefit from this great project.”
The county is required to put up a $50,000 match in order to accept the grant, but Knox County is putting up an additional $1 million to ensure the project is a success. The Public Building Authority is managing the project. Officials said they need to conduct an environmental evaluation, design it, and then go through right-of-way acquisition. Construction will more than likely begin in two years and take a year to complete.
“This project will help improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and expand alternative transportation opportunities for the local community,” said Joe Mack, Senior Director of Parks and Recreation. “This project will also provide the first safe pedestrian crossings to connect the residential Beaver Creek community areas and the commercial areas surrounding the Halls school properties.”
For a more detailed scope of the project, please see the attached Communities Connection Map.
