All communities along the Tennessee River are invited to become part of North America’s next great regional trail system through the Tennessee RiverTowns Program from the Tennessee RiverLine. Communities interesting in being a part of the inaugural cohort of program should apply by Aug. 14, 2020.
Originating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, School of Landscape Architecture, and now supported by a partnership of individuals and organizations around the River Valley, the Tennessee RiverLine is a vision for a continuous system of paddling, hiking and biking experience along the Tennessee River’s 652-mile reach from Knoxville, TN, to Paducah, KY. Individual river communities who are invested as part of the Tennessee RiverLine will benefit from economic development and entrepreneurship opportunities, quality of life amenities that improve public health and generations of river advocates that are active participants in its stewardship.
Tennessee RiverTowns is a three-stage program that cultivates collaboration and innovation among river communities to achieve the Tennessee RiverLine vision of a continuous trail experience and a 1.2 million acre River Park. All Tennessee River communities – counties, cities, towns and multi-community consortiums – are invited to apply to become a part of the RiverLine through the Tennessee RiverTowns Program.
Communities enrolling as part of the inaugural Tennessee RiverTowns cohort will be announced Sept. 28, 2020. Communities who are unable to apply this year may do so during future annual enrollment periods. Those interested in learning more about the Tennessee RiverTowns Program may watch the introductory webinar or visit the Tennessee RiverTowns resources page.
The Tennessee RiverTowns Program follows the overwhelming interest received in summer 2019 through the Tennessee RiverLine Pilot Community Program. From 17 applications, five communities of different sizes, locations, means and capacities were selected as Pilot Communities to share feedback and ideas on the Tennessee RiverLine vision and to begin their process to becoming part of the Tennessee RiverLine.
“Tennessee River communities are the beating heart of the Tennessee RiverLine,” says Brad Collett, Director of the Tennessee RiverLine Partnership and Associate Professor in the UT School of Landscape Architecture. “Launching the Tennessee RiverTowns program is a historic step toward realizing the Tennessee RiverLine vision and the benefits it offers communities, residents and visitors. The framework it establishes will align coordinated efforts around the region with local priorities and the RiverLine’s guiding principles.”
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To learn more about the Tennessee RiverLine, stay up-to-date with programs and initiatives by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@tnriverline) and visiting tnriverline.org frequently.