Fort Kid closed to the public Monday, April 6th to allow the City of Knoxville to salvage the commercial site and play elements on site for potential reuse. The project’s construction management firm-P&C Construction-then began installing temporary fencing and erosion control the week of April 20th. Demolition of the failing retaining wall and rough grading of the slope was completed by early May with sidewalks and landscaping completed in June.

Progress photos (seen below) show the work to date. The City of Knoxville is now working on design and construction of the new playground and accessible hillside connector. For more information on the City’s work, check out the Fort Kid website.

Parking Lot Closed

A portion of the Fort Kid parking lot closed beginning April 3 to provide a staging area for workers and equipment.

City Crews Salvage Some Equipment

The playground closed on April 6 allowing City of Knoxville crews an opportunity to salvage commercial playground elements such as the spring rockers and swings prior to the start of demolition of the retaining wall.

Mobilization

April 22, contractors installed a temporary fence on-site to provide a safe work area for the heavy equipment required to make this project happen.

Demolition & Grading Begins

Demolition of the retaining wall and restoration of the sloped hillside began with the upper tier on the south end of the site. A very large excavator was required to reach from the stable land at the top of the hill.

Open View

As the grading progresses, views of the Knoxville Museum of Art and downtown Knoxville open up from the flat area at the top of the hill.

Sod Installed

The former retaining wall has been replaced with a grass-covered slope. The slope opens views and represents a more sustainable solution for the long-term.

Future Playground

The completed project provides a large flat area at the top of the slope for the City of Knoxville to construct a new playground on.

Project Status

Public Building Authority

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