Urban Wilderness Gateway Park exemplifies PORT’s commitment to innovation and community impact, transforming the James White Parkway into a dynamic 2-mile linear park. Initially conceived as a modest trailhead and plaza, the project evolved into a comprehensive greenway connecting downtown Knoxville to the region’s 1,000-acre Urban Wilderness. This sprawling outdoor destination features over 50 miles of trails, nature centers, lakes,  quarries, and wildlife areas.

PORT’s collaborative approach expanded the project’s vision, reimagining the corridor through three critical layers:

• Access and Community Connections: Improved linkages between South Knoxville neighborhoods, Baker Creek Preserve, and downtown Knoxville prioritize mobility and inclusivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and local residents
• Continuous  Programming Amenities: Elements such as greenways, wayfinding systems, lighting, and native planting extend throughout the park, creating a unified and accessible experience.
• Program Nodes and Destinations: Key spaces, including plazas, recreational areas, and bike parks, punctuate the linear park, offering unique gathering and activity hubs that activate the corridor.

The project has progressed through multiple phases to achieve this transformative vision. Phase 1, completed in 2020, extended the park drive, greenway, and mountain bike trails, linking the James White Parkway terminus to Baker Creek Preserve. Phase 2, completed in 2024, introduced parking, a plaza, a pavilion and comfort station, and a bike park to Baker Creek Preserve. Phase 3, currently under construction, creates a unique new public space at the James White Parkway terminus. This space features a pavilion and comfort station, a flexible event plaza, play space, and childrens bike circuit. Situated beneath the Sevierville Pike overpass, it creates as a striking threshold between the urban and wilderness sides of the corridor. Future Phases, funded in part by a Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant, will complete the transformation of the James White Parkway into a fully realized linear park.

Urban Wilderness Gateway Park is part of PORT’s broader efforts to shape Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, including the Knoxville Battlefield Loop Framework Plan, Augusta Quarry, and the Tennessee River Waterfront Connectivity Framework Plan. Together, these projects reflect PORT’s dedication to enhancing Knoxville’s identity as a leading center for outdoor recreation and conservation.