History

In 2017, the park owners united with a shared vision to donate the property to the City of Knoxville so it could serve as a broader community resource and add to the City’s greenspace.

During the 18-month transition from a private to a public park, all existing tables and play equipment were determined to be a safety hazard, dismantled, and removed. The City of Knoxville installed 2 picnic tables, a swing set, and a tree stump nature play area.

Since 2017, the condition of the tree stump nature play area has deteriorated and is in need of replacement with a more substantial play structure with a longer life span.

As a next step for the Pocket Park to serve as a community resource, Forest Heights Neighborhood Association (FHNA) felt it important to have an approved concept plan in place providing guidance to both the City and community members with a long term vision for the park.

In 2020-2021, FHNA developed a concept plan for Forest Heights Pocket Park in collaboration with the East Tennessee Community Design Center (ETCDC) and the City of Knoxville. This was a fruitful and valuable experience that allowed community residents to serve as stakeholders, providing input to develop a multi-year plan for needed infrastructure, equipment, and landscaping improvements for the park.

The concept plan is intended to be completed in phases when funding sources are identified and includes drainage and greenway improvements, rain garden installations, new play and adult fitness equipment, artwork, educational signage, and native landscaping.

The City of Knoxville does not have available funding for all the elements in the concept plan. In 2021, FHNA initiated a grassroots initiative with Legacy Parks Foundation to jump start valuable improvements for the park and implement the first phase of the concept plan with a new play structure in the park.