City Celebrates 25 Years of Safety City
September 14, 2026, 6:32 p.m.

KNOXVILLE - The City of Knoxville celebrated 25 years of Safety City with a community celebration. The fun-filled evening was filled with nods to the past, an open ride for area families, and the announcement of a community renovation campaign.

“We are so grateful to former KPD Chief Phil Keith, Mayor Victor Ashe, and others who worked tirelessly to see this project through,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “Now it is time to restore and refresh this educational gem, so kids can learn and play here for another 25 years!”

Safety City was opened on September 14, 2001, to provide a creative and safe environment where elementary students can learn more about fire, pedestrian, vehicle, and bicycle safety.

Former Knoxville Police Chief Phil Keith was instrumental in the planning of the mini-city and was on hand to share some of his memories with those in attendance.

Looking to the future, Mayor Kincannon announced a public renovation campaign that will take place over the next year.

“Safety City was designed to be a replica of Knoxville, and the city has changed a lot in 25 years,” said Mayor Kincannon. “We want to continue to have a Safety City that is truly reflective of the community these young people know.

“Moving forward, I would like to add some of our Vision Zero initiatives in the park, repave the roads, add a greenway or bike trail, increase safety education materials, and get more current businesses and places represented.”

Covenant Health and the Knoxville Smokies have committed to building a replica of Covenant Health Park, Knoxville’s newest landmark. K-Brew and Visit Knoxville have also pledged to be part of the updated Safety City. Over the next few months, the City will be actively looking for other businesses and groups that want to be part of the renovation campaign.

The City also announced that after countless requests, more public hours will be added this fall. With those additional hours there will be a nominal entry fee of $3, with discount passes available. Free days will still be offered throughout the year.

Mayor Kincannon announced the first free, extended hours will be Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Safety City hosts an average of 5000 second-graders each school year on field trips, plans special holiday events, and has been a popular Kid-A-Riffic location.

To learn more about the renovation campaign and to fill out an interest form visit: KnoxvilleTN.gov/SafetyCity.