On July 1, Knoxville’s Parks and Recreation Department will assume management of Chilhowee Park. What better way to mark the milestone than an evening with food trucks and Parks and Rec’s KORE Mobile Outreach on the Midway?
Families are invited to “Celebrate Chilhowee!” from 5-8 p.m. the evening of Wednesday, July 1, on the Midway, the 13-acre tract south of Magnolia Avenue.
While a long-term reimagining of Chilhowee Park will involve millions of dollars and hundreds of hours of planning and community engagement, City officials are eager on Day 1 of the transition to host a block party with free activities and a variety of food available for purchase from food truck entrepreneurs.
Look for the colorful Knoxville Outdoor Recreation Experience (KORE) truck – basically, mobile fun and recreational games staged out of a 14-foot box truck with the help of enthusiastic Parks and Rec staff.
“Big things sometimes have small beginnings,” Mayor Indya Kincannon said. “‘Celebrate Chilhowee!’ is an opportunity to come and play, and enjoy a twilight dinner under the trees with friends and neighbors.”
Motorized vehicles will not be allowed throughout the Midway area, in order to maintain a safe space for children to play. Park in a designated area at the Beaman Street entrance – or park in the main section of Chilhowee Park and walk through the tunnel beneath Magnolia Avenue.
Bright future for Chilhowee Park
The Muse on Jan. 1, 2027, will begin a $50 million modernization of the Jacob Building. Meanwhile, a comprehensive $358,000 study of the Loves Creek watershed – with a focus on addressing flooding of Lake Ottosee in Chilhowee Park – is nearing completion.
The 2026-27 budget – proposed by Mayor Kincannon and adopted by City Council – includes $2 million for Chilhowee Park capital improvements. The budget also funds a new four-employee Public Service Department crew assigned full-time to beautify and maintain Chilhowee Park.
What will the initial $2 million be allocated for? What sorts of amenities might be added permanently to the Midway? Those decisions will be shaped by community voices and collaboration.
The Chilhowee Park Advisory Group (CPAG) was formed in March and has met twice. This focus group of community members and partners is gathering suggestions from the wider community, sharing ideas and collaborating, to develop guidelines for the future vision of Chilhowee Park. Follow their work here:
Chilhowee Park after July 1
As of July 1, on any date when there’s not a special event scheduled, the gates to Chilhowee Park will be open from dawn to dusk.
For information about park activities or to rent a shelter, contact City Parks and Recreation after July 1. or visit here (the webpage will be updated as of July 1).
Beginning in a few weeks, the City’s Public Service Department will assume maintenance of the grounds and the buildings. (Call 3-1-1 or use the My Knoxville app to request services as of July 1.) The Public Building Authority’s Park Patrol staff will provide security services.
While Chilhowee Park will function like a traditional park, some scheduled special events will require the closure of the park. For example, the Tennessee Valley Fair will manage entry of the park from Aug. 26 through Sept. 17.
The Parks and Recreation Department will continue other partnerships and events – such as Zoo or ROCCK Racing events, Knox County School Mania, Christmas at Chilhowee Park, and the Empty Stocking Fund food basket preparation and distribution – which may intermittently affect access in some areas of the park.
For updates on Chilhowee Park, visit here or follow Knoxville Parks & Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.
