City reviews multi‑partner trail project at Tannery Knobs backed by $450,000 health grant and Rotary funds

City staff and community partners updated the commission on a multi‑partner trail and skills area project at Tannery Knobs designed to expand beginner and intermediate mountain‑biking opportunities and support inclusive outdoor recreation.

Dr. Maggie Darden, planning and project manager for Parks and Recreation, said the city needs more beginner and intermediate progression trails to feed advanced trails and described partnership roles. Abraham McIntyre, executive director of Sorba Tri‑Cities, said Sorba secured a three‑year, $450,000 Tennessee Department of Health grant (Project Diabetes track) that allows up to $150,000 per year and complements $350,000 Rotary fundraising and a land donation by Grant Summers. Roy Sawyer of American Ramp Company and other build partners will begin early site work in June; wooden and steel features are estimated 4–6 months out, with the rotary bicycle playground build targeted for fall into next spring.

Commissioners praised the placemaking model and cross‑sector partnerships — government, nonprofits, volunteers and private builders — as a replicable approach for quality‑of‑place projects. Staff emphasized the project’s multi‑use design will serve mountain bikers, hikers and runners and include pavilion areas and connectivity to nearby community assets.

Next steps: phased construction beginning in June; partners will coordinate design, fundraising and permitting as the project advances.