Something big is coming to South Knoxville — and the community can help make it happen. Legacy Parks Foundation launched its “Put the SoKno in SoKno” fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $25,000 to create one of the most recognizable features along the future SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk: 10-foot-tall metal letters spelling SOKNO.
The “Put the SoKno in SoKno” campaign is just the beginning of what’s coming to the SoKno Art Walk. Over the next few months, the trail will begin to take shape as a vibrant outdoor art experience, with new features and installations appearing along the route.
This is the first step in bringing art to the trail. The 10-foot-tall SOKNO letters will become a colorful, larger-than-life mural and signature photo opportunity along the Art Walk.
The next exciting addition will be the placement of a historic train engine on the trail that will be transformed with a mural, creating another eye-catching piece of public art along the trail.
And there’s much more to come. The Art Walk will launch with four sculptures and four murals, bringing creativity and local character to the trail. Trail users can expect to begin seeing these installations pop up as early as September, with additional pieces added over the following weeks.
The art will be woven throughout the 3.8-mile SoKno Rail Trail, giving trail users new reasons to stop, explore and experience South Knoxville in a different way. Together, the installations will create an outdoor gallery that celebrates the creativity, history and unique character of the SoKno community.
One of the most anticipated features will be the 10-foot-tall metal letters spelling SOKNO. Legacy Parks is raising $25,000 to bring the letters to life and transform each one into a colorful mural.
The installation is designed to become a signature gathering and photo spot along the Art Walk — a place for trail users to celebrate South Knoxville and capture a little piece of SoKno.
“With great community support, we are able to continue to add fun, interesting and intriguing elements along the trail to make it a fun experience for all – young and old, local or visitors, runners, walkers, cyclists, art enthusiasts or those who are just plain curious,” said Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation.”
Legacy Parks is inviting the community to be part of bringing the installation to life. Gifts of any amount will help move the project closer to its $25,000 goal, or donors can sponsor an individual letter for $5,000 and receive special recognition on signage at the installation.
To support the campaign and help Put the SoKno in SoKno, visit https://tinyurl.com/SoKnoArtWalk.
About the SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk
The SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk is a 3.8-mile rail-to-trail project connecting Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center. The Art Walk will be a vibrant 1.5-mile segment of the trail, from Chapman Highway to Island Home, integrating art, nature and recreation into an accessible experience for all. Specially commissioned art pieces will showcase works by local, regional and nationally renowned artists.
The SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk is scheduled to open in Fall 2026.
