First Creek Greenway Plan - How to Move Forward?

Current First Creek Greenway

From the latest city of Knoxville Greenways Map, the plans for First Creek Greenway are included as a full panel.

First Creek Greenway has been a source of enjoyment for residents of the surrounding historic neighborhoods of Old North Knoxville, Fourth and Gill, and Parkridge.

Yet, it has also been a source of frustration.

The reason?  From the city's Web site:

Plans for this greenway to connect south underneath I-40 to Lower First Creek Greenway in Caswell Park are underway. The connection portion of this trail is expected to be built in the near future.

 "In the near future."  This is the frustrating part.

Over four years ago, work on the portion of Interstate 40 through downtown Knoxville commenced to upgrade the 1960s era infrastructure to modern technology and safety standards.  The project was expected to be completed in summer of 2009, but actually finished early, awarding the contractor a performance bonus.

Many residents see the Interstate's construction as a missed opportunity to complete the link between the Upper and Lower First Creek Greenway.  To be fair, the Tennessee Department of Transportation did create an asphalt sidewalk along Sixth Avenue, where in the Summer of 2013, local residents partnered with the City of Knoxville and TDOT to install a four-part mural to celebrate the historic neighborhoods.  Matching funds were provided by the City as part of the Parks and Recreation Challenge Grant, awarded on the basis that the asphalt strip serves as the community entrance to the First Creek Greenway.

Frustration has grown as this Greenway could perhaps be the most successful example of an urban greenway, linking several of Knoxville's most populous neighborhoods, from Fountain City in the North, down towards the Tennessee River.

Envisioned First Creek Extension

Even the City is aware of the potential, since First Creek Greenway Plan is featured prominently on the most recent version of the greenway map.

The text reads:

First Creek Greenway could connect Fountain City to the Tennessee River through the Downtown area.  There are 18 parks along First Creek within 9 miles of greenways in place, so the longer connection could become a reality with the right planning and support.

Residents of the first creek watershed are united in feeling that the community support is there.

So why has the greenway plan not proceeded?

One possibility might be a lack of funding.

Some possible funding ideas to look into are available on these Web sites:

http://www.railstotrails.org/ourwork/trailbuilding/toolbox/informationsummaries/funding_financing.html

http://www.americantrails.org/resources/fedfund/
Are you aware of funding sources that the City of Knoxville should be aware of?

Please leave your ideas in the comments section.