Carter Park Ada Improvements
Approximately 30 acres, Cater Park serves as home to recreation amenities including a multipurpose field, four (4) baseball/softball fields, a pavilion, a playground, a basketball court, and a 0.3-mile walking trail, as well as a public library, a senior center, and the Carter High Baseball and Softball fields.
In 2020, Knox County completed an update of its ADA Transition Plan identifying access barriers across all of Knox County’s facilities. Carter Park was selected by the county as the first site to try and holistically address access barriers, and a consultant was hired to design ADA improvements.
This approximately one-year construction project will implement the improvements designed by the consultant to eliminate barriers at this site.
Phasing Plan
Site plan for Carter Park outlining the areas of the park impacted by each of the five phases of planned work.
Phase 1 (Estimated June-December 2023)
Implements improvements at the Knox County Parks’ baseball fields adjacent to the center parking lot including the restroom building & concession stand.
NOTE: Knox County is completing additional improvements including field lighitng repalcement under a separate contract. Phase 1 continues to remain closed subject to this additional work.
Phase 2 (Estimated October 2023-March 2024)
Multipurpose field and associated restrooms, concessions, & parking, as well as the adjacent youth baseball field and greenway section.
Phase 3 (Estimated April-August 2024)
Library & Senior Center
Phase 4 (Estimated February-April 2025)
Basketball court & picnic shelter area
NOTE: Phase 4 delayed until after phase 5 to allow for work added to the phase 2 area by Knox County.
Phase 5 (Estimated November 2024-February 2025)
Carter High School Baseball & Softball fields including the associated parking.
Phase 1
Phase 1 of the Carter Park ADA Improvements provides for three fully-compliant ADA parking spaces in the central parking lot, corrects ADA deficiencies at the adjacent restroom and concession stand, and provides an accessible path to and seating for fields 1, 2, and 3 at Carter Park.
Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Carter Park ADA Improvements provides for four fully-compliant ADA parking spaces in the front parking lot, corrects ADA deficiencies at the adjacent restroom and concessions, and provides an accessible path to and seating for both the multipurpose and little league fields.
This phase of the project will also begin construction of a new, fully-accessible playground for the park. The new location enhances visibility of the playground and provides space for a larger playground. This phase of the project only installs the drainage and foundations required for the playground. Playground equipment is anticipated to be installed during Phase 3 with playground surfacing being completed during Phase 4.
Phase 3
Phase 3 of the Carter Park ADA Improvements provides for six fully-compliant ADA parking spaces in the parking lots adjacent to the Senior Center and Library, corrects ADA deficiencies inside the buildings, and provides accessible sidewalks to connect the facilities with parking.
During Phase 3 playground equipment installation is also anticipated for the playground area constructed as a part of Phase 2. Playground surfacing will follow the installation of the equipment and is anticipated as part of Phase 4. See the Phase 2 details page for more information on the playground.
Phase 4
Phase 4 of the Carter Park ADA Improvements provides for two fully-compliant ADA parking spaces in the rear parking lot, provides an accessible path to the basketball court and pavilions, and updates the amenities at the pavilions for accessibility.
During Phase 4 installation of playground surfacing is anticipated in the playground area constructed as a part of Phase 2. Playground equipment is expected to be installed as a part of Phase 3. The playground is anticipated to open in mid-2024 once the surfacing and inspections have been completed. See the Phase 2 details page for more information on the playground.
Phase 5
Phase 5 of the Carter Park ADA Improvements provides for three fully-compliant ADA parking spaces (one additional space in the central parking lot and two in the Carter High Softball parking lot), corrects ADA deficiencies at the Carter High Baseball concession buildings, and provides an accessible path to and seating for the Carter High Baseball field.
Note: The Carter High Softball field already has accessible pedestrian paths and seating.
This page provides updates as to the current status of the ADA Improvements project and its impacts to the park.
Phase 1 - Fields 2-4 & Phase 2 - Field 1 & Football Field
Current Status: All work in these areas is complete though a portion of the central parking area remains closed for use by the contractors completing Phases 4 & 5.
Phase 3 - Senior Center & Library (April 2024-September 2024)
Current Status: All work is complete.
Phase 5 - KCS Ballfields (September 2024-January 2025)
Current Status: This work was coordinated with Carter High School’s baseball season and is now complete.
Phase 4 - Basketball Court & Picnic Shelter (November 2024-March 2025)
Current Status: Concrete has been poured and handrails installed. Final landscaping and site cleanup is underway..
Impacts: Contractors will close the sidewalk to the basketball court and the picnic shelter beginning the week of November 11. These will remain closed until this phase of the project is completed.
