CONNECT South Pittsburg Framework Plan
South Pittsburg, Tennessee
WMWA was hired to develop the CONNECT South Pittsburg Framework Plan, which envisioned a bicycle and pedestrian network and river park for the City of South Pittsburg. Although South Pittsburg technically functions as a waterfront city, many of its residents are currently separated from the Tennessee River by a major highway and an active rail corridor. The framework plan aims to relink South Pittsburg with the river by accentuating the economic, ecological, and recreational benefits that can be provided for the residents of South Pittsburg.
During the initial engagement phase, WMWA led a series of exercises with stakeholders and the community to establish a vision for the project. The engagement strategy primarily included online and mailed surveys, digital presentations, and engagement “outposts” located at popular destinations throughout South Pittsburg. This approach considered work schedules, access to transportation and internet, and community demographics to provide a diversity of opportunities for all residents and stakeholders to share their thoughts.
Following the engagement phase, WMWA developed conceptual designs for the bicycle and pedestrian network and the river park. The proposed bicycle and pedestrian network consists of three main typologies: the Shared Alley for urban connectivity, the RiverLine along the Tennessee River, and the Separated Shared Use Paths connecting the Shared Alley with the RiverLine. The proposed network is intended to maximize equitable circulation and destination access for South Pittsburg residents. The proposed new River Park, which is situated on 16 acres of city-owned land east of Highway 72, is loosely organized into three nodes of similar activities. The first offers a variety of activities for kids and adults and includes a swimming pool, a multi-purpose court, a plaza, two playgrounds, a bouldering park, and a passive recreation green. The second node features an event lawn, a pavilion, and a shaded grove for concerts, movies, festivals, other community events. The last node includes a dog park, a multi-purpose field, a fitness circuit, and a fishing pier. The CONNECT South Pittsburg Framework Plan was completed in 2022.
