The Knoxville City Council approved plans for the library park project at their meeting Monday night. 

The council approved the preliminary plans, specifications, form of contract, notice to bidders, estimate of cost, and ordering bids for the project. This new library park will include a garden, sidewalks, trees, greenery, a stage for library programming, picnic tables, and a memorial bench. The garden at the park will be called “Dixie’s Garden” to honor Knoxville native Dixie Gebhardt, who is well known for designing the Iowa Flag. Knoxville City Manager Heather Ussery says there has been discussion with Dixie’s family regarding this project.

“The library board has approved the name as Dixie’s Garden. The new space will have plenty of green space, sidewalk trails, and a stage for library programs. They have worked with Dixie’s family to incorporate parts of the park that they know Dixie would love. There will be some flower beds incorporated so that will be a great piece in honoring her.”

The project is scheduled to go out for bid on March 8th with work beginning in April. Hear more about this project from Ussery on today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.