Former Sam E. Hill School transforming into a new community center and park for Lonsdale

The historic Sam E. Hill School - or at least part of it - is being preserved as part of a new 150,000-square-foot park and community center development blending the Lonsdale neighborhood's past with the future.

The school was founded in 1919 and served as a key educational institution for the Lonsdale community until it closed in 2022 following the construction of the new Lonsdale Elementary School. The decision to close Sam E. Hill was part of a broader Knoxville Community Schools plan to consolidate resources and provide students with a more modern facility.

Plans for redevelopment of the former neighborhood school site include tearing down most of the school building but preserving the gymnasium and turning it into a multi-purpose community room with restrooms. Plans also include adding sports facilities, like basketball courts, and children’s play areas.

Lifelong Lonsdale resident Lynn Clemons Sr. said she thinks the new park will be a valuable addition to the community.

"One of the important things for many of us is that the Sam E. Hill name be kept here, which is in the plan," Clemons told Knox News. "I think the park and the amenities will be a good resource for the community to use for meetings and gatherings and overall is a positive improvement. I hope to see it bring people together."

Community involvement in the planning process was important to Clemons, who said it fosters trust between those living in the Lonsdale community and entities that want to come in and propose new developments.

"Whenever you can make people aware and get them involved is a plus, but we have to show up and make our voices heard," Clemmons said. "We have to get out and show up."

Park development construction split into phases

Phase 1 of the project includes the construction of a sports court, a play area named the Ridgeline, a fitness loop with workout stations, green space and groves of shade trees. The park will feature native meadow plantings and landscaping throughout.

Future phases will see the addition of a new pavilion and park restroom, a market plaza with power for food trucks, a renovated parking lot, and the transformation of the former gymnasium into the Sam E. Hill Community Center. The pavilion will serve as an event space to enhance the park's functionality for community activities.

Park project timeline set for 2026 completion

The project, which began in July 2021, has progressed through several community meetings and planning stages.

Demolition of the school started in January 2024 and is scheduled to finish in August. The project will open for bidding in October, with Phase 1 of park construction set to begin in early 2025.

Phases two and three are scheduled for completion by late 2026 and include the pavilion, plaza, and community center. The city has allocated $4 million for the project.

Angela Dennis is the Knox News race, justice and equity reporter. Email angela.dennis@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Former Sam E. Hill School transforming into a new community center and park for Lonsdale