Chilhowee Park Returned to Community Control

East Knoxville residents celebrate reclaiming public green space after proposed sale

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:40pm

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A serene oil painting depicting children playing on swings in a sun-dappled park, capturing the tranquil energy of a community green space.The reclaimed Chilhowee Park will continue to serve as a cherished community hub for the residents of East Knoxville.Knoxville Today

After a contentious battle, the people of East Knoxville have successfully prevented the sale of Chilhowee Park, a public green space at the heart of their historically Black neighborhood. The proposed sale sparked outrage and protests, with residents fighting to keep the park in community hands.

Why it matters

Chilhowee Park has long served as a gathering place and recreational hub for East Knoxville, an area that has faced disinvestment and displacement. The proposed sale was seen as another attempt to erode the community's control over its own public assets, raising concerns about gentrification and the loss of green space.

The details

In the spring of 2025, there were plans to sell the publicly-owned Chilhowee Park to private developers. This sparked an outcry from East Knoxville residents, who organized protests and lobbied local officials to keep the park in community hands. After months of activism and negotiation, the sale was ultimately blocked, and the park will remain a public space under the control of the local government.

  • The proposed sale of Chilhowee Park was announced in March 2025.
  • Residents began organizing protests and campaigns to stop the sale in April 2025.
  • After months of community pressure, the sale was officially canceled in October 2025.

The players

Chilhowee Park

A public green space located in the heart of East Knoxville, a historically Black neighborhood.

East Knoxville Residents

The local community that uses and values Chilhowee Park as a gathering place and recreational hub.

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What they’re saying

“This park is the heart of our community. We won't let them take it away from us without a fight.”

— Jamal Williams, East Knoxville resident and community organizer

“Chilhowee Park belongs to the people of East Knoxville, not to the highest bidder. We're glad our voices were heard.”

— Reverend Eliza Johnson, Local pastor and activist

What’s next

The city of Knoxville has pledged to invest in improvements and programming at Chilhowee Park to better serve the East Knoxville community.

The takeaway

This victory for the people of East Knoxville demonstrates the power of community organizing to protect public green spaces and resist the forces of gentrification. It serves as an inspiring example of how residents can come together to defend the assets that are vital to the fabric of their neighborhood.