Fort Kid returns: Beloved Knoxville playground reopens with new slides, other fun changes
The fort has been rebuilt. Fort Kid, a beloved playground downtown, reopened March 6 for kids and the community to enjoy.
The improved playground still has some work to be completed, but it is now open for public use. New park features include a fort tower and slide, climbing and balancing poles, a fully accessible merry-go-round and a play area for toddlers.
Sidewalks and stonework provide access to play equipment and better connectivity to the parking lot, World’s Fair Park Drive and the Knoxville Museum of Art.
“With the new ADA improvements, connectivity to the Knoxville Museum of Art, and a play structure designed following extensive community input, I know Fort Kid Park will continue to be a special place for families for generations to come,” Mayor Indya Kincannon said at the playground’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Originally built in 1991 by volunteers, Fort Kid was demolished in 2020. A decaying retaining wall and the wooden playground structures had become unsafe. The area was ultimately deemed hazardous by City officials.
Plaques honoring the community members who helped build the original park will be added in the coming weeks.
According to the City of Knoxville, the total project cost nearly $1.3 million and was funded through City money and private donations, including contributions from Downtown Knoxville Alliance, Visit Knoxville and businessman Thomas Boyd.
Th new Fort Kid Park was designed and constructed by Great Southern Recreation, Hedstrom Landscape Architecture, and City crews.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter for Knox News. He can be reached by email at devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Follow Devarrick on Twitter @dturner1208. Enjoy exclusive content and premium perks while supporting strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Fort Kid playground to reopen March 6 in downtown Knoxville
