It's official: The 68.5-acre River Bluff property, located off Cherokee Trail in South Knoxville, has been deeded to the City of Knoxville.

Thank you, Legacy Parks Foundation - what an amazing gift!

Legacy Parks preserved the tract through a conservation easement after raising $1.5 million.

City officials are making plans for how to create the best public uses for the site. Potential amenities being discussed: Trails to take advantage of the inspiring overlooks, historical markers, and a canoe put-in/take-out on the Tennessee River.

Last week, Joe Walsh, City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Director, and Lori Goerlich, Parks and Greenways Coordinator, gave Mayor Madeline Rogero and her senior staff a tour of the new City property.

The group navigated an old road on the property, visiting some key River Bluff points - an overlook of the city skyline, the small and large lakes, and the former site of an old Civil War cabin.

Starting in 2016, planning for River Bluff amenities will accelerate, and City officials will be seeking lots of public input. Stay tuned!

​

From left: Lori Goerlich, Parks and Greenways Coordinator; Charles Swanson, Law Director; Christi Branscom, Deputy to the Mayor and Chief Operating Officer; Mayor Madeline Rogero; Joe Walsh, Parks and Recreation Director; David Brace, Public Works Senior Director; Sheryl Ely, Public Service Deputy Director; and Chad Weth, Public Service Director.


The upper lake is one of two bodies of water on the River Bluff tract.


From atop River Bluff, a visitor can get a great view of the UT campus.

Parks and Recreation Director Joe Walsh and Mayor Madeline Rogero discuss potential amenities that could be added to the River Bluff tract - as well as existing recreation assets on the North Waterfront.