Sections of Renaissance Park on the Northshore are eroding away, threatening a number of features of the popular riverfront park, city officials said.
At risk are several large public art installations, an irrigation system drawing from the river, underground electrical lines, a six-foot-wide concrete pathway, three picnic tables and grills, two large viewing platforms, and historical displays commemorating Native American and Civil War events.
To try to stabilize a thousand feet of the river bank downstream from the Market Street Bridge, the city is asking the Army Corps of Engineers to carry out a stabilization study. It will cost $300,000 with the city's share a maximum of $100,000.
Justin Holland, city public works administrator, said, "The Army Corps of Engineers will determine a solution. Riprap can help, but there may be other solutions to solve the problem."
He noted that several trees have already been lost by the riverbank.
He noted that the Army Corps of Engineers helped with a similar study at Heritage Landing three years ago.
The Army Corps also helped with stabilization of historic Moccasin Bend.
The park, which adjoins Coolidge Park and has a more natural setting, is estimated to draw 145,000 visitors per year.
City officials noted that the park "hosts public events, exhibitions of public art, and commemorates the site's role in significant historical events, including the Trail of Tears, encampment of liberated slaves, and the location of the city's first bridge to cross the Tennessee River."