West Prong Greenway Extension Open for Use

Posted 08-07-20.

Today, City contractor Charles Blalock & Sons paved the last 600 lineal feet of the West Prong Greenway Extension Project.

“We’re thrilled that the extension is now open for use,” said Bob Parker, Director of Parks and Recreation. “This is an important piece of our greenway system and I’m sure it will be well utilized by our residents and visitors.” Parker noted that some work remains to be completed, including landscaping and bench installation on the observation deck.

A Memorial Greenway along the Little Pigeon River from the bridge on Main Street to the bridge on the Parkway was conceived by the Sevierville Tree Board in the early 1990’s. The east side and much of the west side of the Greenway were completed several years ago, however this last section proved to be challenging due to topography, easements and underground utilities.

The construction of this final section was completed using City employees from Parks and Recreation and Public Works, as well as local contractor Charles Blalock & Sons. The Engineering Firm of Robert G. Campbell and Associates was the lead design firm on the project. The cost to complete this section was $250,000.00.

In 2016 the City received its third grant on this section of greenway from the Tennessee Department of Conservation through the Recreation Trails Program (RTP). RTP funding is via the Federal Highway Administration, which provides funding for alternative transportation projects.

“This project would not have been possible without local citizens and companies providing easements,” Parker said. “I can’t thank them enough for stepping forward to help see this project come to fruition.”

Easements were provided by: Loris. T. Ogle and Family-widow to the late Attorney Robert L. Ogle; Harry and Sarah Berrier; Brent and Kimberly Cole through the Atomic Wild Bird, Inc.; Temples Enterprises; and the Sevier County Utility District.

With the completion of this section of Greenway, Sevierville now has over twelve miles of paved and lighted greenways within the City limits.