Parks and Recreation Department Makes COVID-19 Pandemic Policy Changes

What: Parks and Recreation Department Makes COVID-19 Pandemic Policy Changes
Where: Sevierville, TN
When: Effective Immediately

The City of Sevierville Parks and Recreation Department has made several COVID-19 pandemic related policy changes in response to Governor Bill Lee’s recent Executive Order 63. The changes are effective immediately.

• All outdoor facilities are open, including playgrounds. CDC guidelines for playground use are posted.
• The Community Center will continue to follow Tennessee Pledge guidelines. Indoor facility users and staff are required to wear facial coverings, social distancing measures are being taken and users are subject to temperature checks at entry. To maintain social distancing measures, it is necessary to modify the use of certain facilities within the Community Center. Examples include:
o Reservations will be continued to be required to swim, use the Fitness Center and attend all exercise classes.
o One-half of the gymnasium will be opened for basketball on a limited schedule and reservations will be required. (Please note: basketball play will not be available until Monday, October 12.)
o One racquetball court will be open and reservations will be required.
• The Civic Center will follow Tennessee Pledge guidelines. Facility users and staff are required to wear facial coverings, social distancing measures are being taken and users are subject to temperature checks at entry.

For additional information, please call 865-453-5441.

Section of West Prong Greenway Temporarily Closed

Section of West Prong Greenway Temporarily Closed
Adjacent to River Place Shopping Center
Ongoing

The City of Sevierville has closed a small section of the West Prong Greenway pending repairs to a nearby retaining wall.

The closed section (see attached map) is on the west side of the West Prong Little Pigeon River, adjacent to River Place Shopping Center.

The retaining wall is part of the shopping center property and has been identified as in need of repairs by an engineer hired by the shopping center owner. The engineer notified the City in a letter yesterday (September 30) evening that the retaining wall was a safety concern and recommended closure of the greenway near the retaining wall pending repairs.

The greenway will be reopened when engineers have deemed it is safe to do so. No estimated date is available at this time.

City Park Tennis/Pickleball Complex Receives USTA Grant for New Practice Backboard

The Sevierville Department of Parks and Recreation has received a United States Tennis Association grant to install a practice backboard for hitting balls at the City Park Tennis/Pickleball Complex.

The practice backboard is a professional grade dual curved backboard measuring 8’ high and 16’ wide (see attached picture). The $1,500.00 USTA grant will be used to offset the $4,000.00 backboard cost. City funds will cover the balance and City staff will complete the installation.

“The courts have seen a significant increase in usage since the COVID-19 pandemic started in the spring,” said Parks and Recreation Director Bob Parker. “With the increase in play we wanted to offer a place for players to work on their individual skills.”

The City Park Tennis/Pickleball Complex has eight tennis courts, four of which are lighted. The courts are also lined for pickleball which has become very popular.
In 2013, the courts underwent a complete makeover, with funds from the USTA, City of Sevierville, Sevier County Schools and State of Tennessee. That project led to the complex being named the “Most Improved Public Tennis Facility in 2013” by the USTA.

The courts are used by Sevierville residents, visitors and local Sevier County School System teams.

Temporary Closure of West Prong Greenway and Parking Lot

Temporary Closure of West Prong Greenway and Parking Lot
Where: West Prong Greenway and Hardin Lane Parking Lot
When: Tuesday, September 15-Thursday, September 17, 2020

The City of Sevierville will be resealing and restriping the West Prong Greenway and parking lot on Hardin Lane this week. Work will take place beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15. Weather and other conditions permitting, the work will be completed by the end of the day Wednesday, September 16.

The work will require temporary closures of the greenway parking area on Hardin Lane and the greenway on both sides of the West Prong Little Pigeon River, as follows:
• Hardin Lane parking lot will be closed Tuesday and reopen on Wednesday;
• The greenway trail on the west side (Hardin Lane) of the West Prong Little Pigeon River will be closed Tuesday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Foot traffic only will be allowed from 6:00 p.m. Tuesday until 6:00 a.m. Wednesday;
• The greenway trail on the east side of the West Prong Little Pigeon River will be closed Wednesday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Foot traffic only will be allowed from 6:00 p.m. Wednesday until 6:00 a.m. Thursday.