NOTICE: This project was substantially completed in Summer 2019. Progress and Post-Construction Photos can be seen on this page, or check out the improvements by visiting the park.
Construction Update
Construction was completed in summer 2019.
About the Park
Located just inside the 640 loop on the North side of the city, Sharp's Ridge Veterans’ Memorial Park covers more than 100 acres along the ridge and southern slope of Sharp’s Ridge—Knoxville’s highest point. Known for its birding opportunities and ~4.7 miles of dramatic multi-use trails, the park also features two scenic picnic areas and an overlook with some of the most spectacular views of Knoxville, the Tennessee Valley, and the Smokey’s beyond.
What We’re Doing
While much of the park’s natural features and trails cannot be made ADA compliant, assessment of the park’s facilities noted a number of improvements which could be made to amenities and facilities which could be accessed by car. This project will make improvements to the East Picnic Area and the Overlook.
The East Picnic Area includes a picnic shelter, a paved walking trail, and six picnic table pads nestled in a ridge-top meadow providing the perfect spot for lunch or a birthday party. This facility, however, was largely inaccessible. This project will:
East Picnic Area as Viewed from Sharps Ridge Drive
Define the parking area for this facility including the designation of an ADA parking space.
Install an ADA-compliant sidewalk connecting the picnic shelter and outdoor picnic pads.
Provide mobility-device accommodations at several of the ridge-top bench locations.
Provide ADA-compliant trash receptacles
Provide ADA-compliant picnic tables.
The Overlook at Sharp’s Ridge looks south over downtown Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley which, on clear days, are backdropped by the ridges of the Smokey Mountains beyond. Improvements here will update the parking to provide a compliant ADA parking space, replace the existing wooden ramp with an ADA-compliant ramp including handrails, and provide ADA-compliant trash receptacles.
Our Timeline & Impacts
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2019 and is anticipated to take 3-4 months to complete. While construction is in process much of the East Picnic Area and portions of the Overlook will be closed to the public. The remainder of the park’s amenities including the West Picnic Area and the parks trails will remain open throughout the duration of the project.