Knoxville Municipal Golf Course Redevelopment & Sports Complex

Exploring the Future of Public Golf and Sports Facilities in Knoxville

Located at 3925 Schaad Road in Knoxville, Tennessee, the approximately 156-acre property is being evaluated for improvements that could include a redesigned public golf course, a multi-field sports complex, and supporting commercial amenities.

The proposed project aims to enhance public recreation, expand opportunities for local youth and adult sports, and strengthen Knoxville's ability to host regional and national sporting events.

The project remains in the planning and evaluation stage. No final redevelopment plan has been approved. This page provides information about the proposal, supporting research, planning documents, and opportunities for public involvement.

Project Overview

The potential redevelopment of Knoxville Municipal Golf Course is intended to address two important community needs: modernizing existing public golf facilities and expanding access to rectangular sports fields for soccer, lacrosse, flag football, and other recreational activities.

Concepts under consideration include:

Modern Public Golf: A redesigned public golf facility, potentially featuring a nine-hole or par-3 course with additional practice and learning opportunities.
Multi-Use Sports Complex: Tournament-capable athletic fields supporting local leagues, youth sports, adult recreation, and regional sporting events.
Supporting Amenities: Potential hospitality, retail, and other complementary commercial uses that support the recreational facilities and visitors.
Community Recreation: Opportunities to improve access to recreational facilities while supporting Knoxville's sports tourism economy.

The project is being evaluated through public planning, feasibility studies, and a competitive proposal process. Any redevelopment would require additional review and necessary government approvals.

Project Planning and Public Input

Public participation is an important part of evaluating the potential redevelopment of Knoxville Municipal Golf Course.

The Knoxville–Knox County Sports Authority, working with Visit Knoxville, is developing a process for gathering community feedback, reviewing development concepts, and evaluating potential benefits, costs, and impacts.

Residents, golfers, sports organizations, nearby neighborhoods, and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to review the available documents and participate in public input opportunities as they are announced.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in upcoming discussions at Knoxville Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse located at 3925 Schaad Road Knoxville, TN 37921 regarding the proposed redevelopment.

Date	Time	Meeting
Thursday, October 22, 2026	4:00–6:00 p.m.	Community Listening Session and Targeted Stakeholder Roundtables
Tuesday, October 27, 2026	9:00–10:30 a.m.	Sports Authority Public Hearing on Draft Request for Proposals (RFP)

These meetings provide opportunities to learn more about the proposed redevelopment, share feedback, and participate in the public review process.

RFP Proposed Timeline

The following proposed timeline outlines key milestones in the Knoxville Municipal Golf Course redevelopment Request for Proposals (RFP) process, including public comment opportunities, proposal submissions, and review. Dates are tentative and subject to change.

Date	Action
October 15, 2026	Release public review draft of RFP with request for public comment
October 22, 2026	Community listening session and targeted stakeholder roundtables
October 27, 2026	Sports Authority public hearing on draft RFP
November 2, 2026	Written public comment period on RFP closes
November 6, 2026	Publish public comment and disposition summary
Mid-November 2026	Sports Authority considers and approves final RFP
November 16, 2026	Issue final RFP
November 30, 2026	Pre-proposal conference and site tour
December 7, 2026	Deadline for proposer questions
December 18, 2026	Final addendum and responses to questions
January 22, 2027	Proposals due
January 22, 2027	Appointment of Evaluation Committee by Sports Authority
January 26, 2027	Responsive proposals posted for public review
February 4, 2027	Public comment forum on proposals
February 11, 2027	Written public comment on proposals closes
Late February 2027	Evaluation Committee creates short list of proposals to consider further
Early March 2027	Public presentations by shortlisted proposers and interviews
Late March 2027	Sports Authority considers recommendation to City and County

Project Documents and Supporting Studies

Explore the documents below to learn more about the proposed Knoxville Municipal Golf Course redevelopment, including project objectives, feasibility research, public recreation planning, and the development proposal process.

Public Review Documents

Knoxville Municipal Golf Course Redevelopment – Draft RFP feedback window closes November 2, 2026
Review the proposed development requirements, public recreation goals, project evaluation criteria, and opportunities for community input. This document is a public draft and is subject to review and revision.
View PDF

Memorandum of Understanding – Knoxville Municipal Golf Course
Read the memorandum outlining the shared interest of the City of Knoxville, Knox County, the Sports Authority, and Visit Knoxville in exploring potential redevelopment and recreational improvements.
View PDF

Memorandum of Understanding – Exhibit A: Term Sheet
Explore the preliminary framework for project development, financing, public access, recreational facilities, and potential commercial uses.
View PDF

Research & Feasibility Studies

These studies provide background research on Knoxville's public golf facilities, recreational needs, sports tourism opportunities, and potential development considerations.

City of Knoxville Golf Course Study
An assessment of Knoxville Municipal, Whittle Springs, and Williams Creek golf courses, including facility conditions, maintenance needs, operations, financial performance, and potential improvements.
View PDF

Knoxville Municipal Golf Course – Soccer Feasibility Review
A feasibility analysis examining the potential development of rectangular sports fields at Knoxville Municipal Golf Course, including site considerations, estimated costs, local recreation opportunities, and projected sports tourism benefits.
View PDF

Community Planning & Recreation

City of Knoxville Parks & Recreation Master Plan
A comprehensive planning document examining Knoxville's parks, recreation facilities, community priorities, accessibility, and long-term opportunities for improving public recreation.
View PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being proposed for Knoxville Municipal Golf Course?

The City of Knoxville, Knox County, the Knoxville–Knox County Sports Authority, and Visit Knoxville are exploring the potential redevelopment of Knoxville Municipal Golf Course into a multi-use recreational destination. Concepts include a modern public golf facility, athletic fields for youth and adult sports, and supporting commercial amenities.

Is Knoxville Municipal Golf Course closing?

No final decision has been made regarding redevelopment of Knoxville Municipal Golf Course. The current proposal explores options for maintaining public golf opportunities while adding recreational sports facilities. Any changes would require additional evaluation and approval.

Will the proposed sports complex be open to the public?

Public access is a central objective of the proposed project. The draft development requirements emphasize opportunities for local youth and adult sports, community recreation, leagues, and tournaments. Specific operating schedules, availability, and pricing would be determined through future planning and agreements.

What sports could be played at the proposed complex?

The proposed multi-use sports complex could accommodate soccer, lacrosse, flag football, ultimate frisbee, and other compatible rectangular-field sports. The facilities could support local practices, recreational leagues, youth tournaments, and regional sporting events.

Has the Knoxville Municipal Golf Course redevelopment been approved?

No final redevelopment plan has been approved. The project remains in an exploratory phase involving planning, public input, development proposals, and additional review. Any redevelopment would require necessary government approvals.

Where is Knoxville Municipal Golf Course located?

Knoxville Municipal Golf Course is located at 3925 Schaad Road in Knoxville, Tennessee. The approximately 156-acre property is being evaluated for potential recreational improvements and redevelopment.

How can residents learn more about the project?

Residents can review the project documents, planning studies, and development materials available on this page. Information about future public meetings, opportunities to provide feedback, and project updates will be shared as details become available.