City Releases Survey on Golf Course Redevelopment
Knoxville residents gave mixed feedback on converting part of its municipal golf course into a youth sports complex.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Golf
Live Poll
Should the city convert part of the municipal golf course into a youth sports complex?
The City of Knoxville released public feedback results on Friday showing 61% of the 734 survey participants strongly supported redeveloping part of the Knoxville Municipal Golf Course into a youth sports complex. Strong opposition stood at 23.1%, and all 38 emailed comments opposed the plan.
Why it matters
The proposal would reshape a long-running public recreation site used by golfers and schools, and its survey results show a sharp divide between youth sports supporters and current golf users. The city has not yet said whether the redevelopment plan will change.
A 2023 city study estimated about $2.45 million in capital work was needed at the course, while a soccer feasibility study put the youth complex at $20-$25 million with a projected $400,000 to $500,000 annual deficit. Those cost estimates were not reconciled in the released results.
The players
City of Knoxville
The city government of Knoxville, Tennessee, which conducted the survey and manages the municipal golf course.
Knoxville Municipal Golf Course
The public 18-hole course that would be partially converted into a youth sports complex under the proposal.
The details
The city asked residents whether they supported redeveloping part of the 18-hole course, and respondents from Knoxville, Knox County and across user groups took part. A petition with more than 290 signatures in favor of keeping the course as is has also circulated, and ten schools use the course for student practice.
Timeline
2023: A city study found the course needed about $2.45 million in capital work.
Friday: The city released the public feedback results.
January 2027: Deadline for redevelopment proposals to be submitted.
Season Trajectory
The survey follows the 2023 city study that identified about $2.45 million in needed capital work at the course. Public opinion now sits against that backdrop, with the January deadline for redevelopment proposals setting the next decision point.
Golfers who use the Knoxville Municipal Golf Course would lose part of the 18-hole layout if the conversion moves forward. Youth sports families would gain a dedicated complex, but the projected $400,000 to $500,000 annual deficit could affect future city budgets.
The takeaway
Public support for the youth complex is strong among sports families and residents, but current golf users remain firmly opposed. How the city reconciles those views will shape the January proposals.
What happens next
The city's deadline for redevelopment proposals is January 2027, after which the city will consider submitted plans.
Further reading
For more on local course planning, see Golf coverage in Knoxville.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WATE 6 On Your Side.
Live Poll
Should the city convert part of the municipal golf course into a youth sports complex?
