The group behind a multi-state project to develop recreational, environmental, and economic opportunities along the Tennessee River will host public events in five communities across Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky throughout July and August.
Members of the Tennessee RiverLine Partnership, including representatives from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee State Parks, and The National Park Service, will meet with community members to learn about how communities use the river and to receive feedback and ideas for the direction of the project.
Known as the Tennessee RiverLine, the project will create a continuous 652-mile system of paddling, hiking, and biking trails that connect communities along the Tennessee River from Knoxville to Paducah, Kentucky. The project aims to celebrate the river, connect people and communities, and create opportunities for economic development and healthy lifestyles in Tennessee River communities.
“We seek to learn about the challenges and opportunities these communities have with the river,” said Brad Collett, director of the Tennessee RiverLine Partnership and associate professor in UT’s School of Landscape Architecture. “By learning how people in Tennessee River communities use the river, we will identify the existing assets, resources, and networks the RiverLine can celebrate in order to improve access to the river for them and their families.”
“652 to YOU” events are open to all members of the communities where they are hosted:
- Benton County, Tennessee: 5–7 p.m. Thursday, July 11, Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center and Museum, 1825 Pilot Knob Road in Eva.
- The Shoals, Alabama: 5–7 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa, 10 Hightower Place.
- Roane County, Tennessee: 5–7 p.m. Tuesday, July 23, Kingston Community Center, 201 Patton Ferry Road in Kingston.
- Bridgeport, Alabama: 5–7 p.m. Thursday, August 8, Bridgeport Community Center, 411 Alabama Avenue.
- City of Paducah and McCracken County, Kentucky: 5–7 p.m. Thursday, August 15, McCracken Public Library, 555 Washington Street in Paducah.
Residents who are unable to attend can provide feedback and ideas for the Tennessee RiverLine using an interactive survey at tnriverline.org/rivergauge.
The Tennessee RiverLine originated in 2016 in the UT College of Architecture and Design’s School of Landscape Architecture and the Herbert College of Agriculture. Today, it is conducted by the Tennessee RiverLine Partnership with ongoing support from UT.
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Contact
Brian Canever (865-974-0937, bcanever@utk.edu)
Whitney Brothers (615-525-6307, wbrothe1@tennessee.edu)
This story is part of the University of Tennessee’s 225th anniversary celebration. Volunteers light the way for others across Tennessee and throughout the world.