New Pavilion and Playscape Open at Knoxville's Urban Wilderness Gateway Park

The $4.6 million project adds amenities and access to the city's growing outdoor recreation network.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:39pm

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After years of planning and millions in investment, a new 23,000-square-foot pavilion and playscape have opened at the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. The new structure features bathrooms, shade, water refilling, picnic areas, and play equipment, providing an enhanced entry point to the city's expansive network of trails, parks, and natural areas.

Why it matters

The Gateway Park and its new pavilion represent the city's ongoing efforts to develop Knoxville's Urban Wilderness as a premier outdoor recreation destination, connecting various greenspaces, trails, and amenities into an integrated system that promotes active lifestyles and eco-tourism.

The details

The $4.6 million pavilion and plaza project broke ground in December 2024 and was proposed and initially funded by former Mayor Madeline Rogero. It adds to the $10 million in prior investments that created the Gateway Park in 2021, providing parking and an entrance to the broader Urban Wilderness network. The new pavilion complements the Baker Creek Pavilion that opened in 2024, collectively enhancing the visitor experience and access to over 50 miles of trails, parks, and natural areas.

  • The Gateway Park initially opened in July 2021.
  • The City Council approved the $4.6 million pavilion project in July 2024.
  • Construction on the pavilion project broke ground in December 2024.
  • The new pavilion and playscape officially opened in February 2026.

The players

Madeline Rogero

Former Mayor of Knoxville who proposed the initial funding for the Gateway Park.

Indya Kincannon

Current Mayor of Knoxville who joined in the grand opening of the new pavilion and playscape.

Knoxville Urban Wilderness

A network of over 50 miles of trails, greenways, parks, and natural areas in Knoxville, Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“The new pavilion and playscape represent one of the last pieces in the city's overall Urban Wilderness public amenities plan, which was proposed, approved and budgeted nearly a decade ago.”

— Madeline Rogero, Former Mayor of Knoxville

What’s next

The city plans to continue investing in and expanding the Urban Wilderness network, with future projects focused on enhancing trail connectivity, adding more recreational amenities, and promoting the area as a regional outdoor destination.

The takeaway

Knoxville's commitment to developing its Urban Wilderness as an integrated system of trails, parks, and natural areas demonstrates how cities can strategically invest in public green infrastructure to improve quality of life, promote active lifestyles, and drive eco-tourism and economic development.