The Knoxville City Council approved a request for proposal on a Parks & Recreation master plan at its meeting Monday. City Manager Heather Ussery says this plan will outline needed improvements.

“This is for all of our city parks and our trail. We currently have a couple of master plans that date back to 2015, including Young’s Park and the trail, so it’ll encompass those as well. We’ll be reviewing the existing conditions, identify future improvements that are needed for the VA redevelopment, Auld Park, a new east park, trail extensions and a splash pad location. It will also have a cost-effective ballpark study. There’s additional considerations that include a rec expansion and upgrade. We’ll hopefully develop a 10-year plan.”

This matter was brought forth by the Quality of Life committee formed by the city’s goal-setting sessions in the spring. The proposal is expected to be complete by November 23rd, with council approval tentatively set for December 6th. If approved, work would begin in January 2022.