Decatur, Alabama

RHODES FERRY PARK Conceptual Plan

The proposal for Rhodes Ferry Park seeks to provide updated, functional amenities to improve user experience, celebrate the industrial landscape of Decatur, and commemorate Decatur’s rich river history with art and interpretation while establishing the park as a gateway between the river and the city. The addition of permeable surfaces, enhancement of indigenous plant species, and improved river access create an enriched environment for local flora and fauna to thrive.

Project Goals

Based on the feedback received from Decatur’s Local Leadership Team as well as the community-wide survey, the Tennessee RiverLine Planning & Design team has identified 3 primary project goals that the design at Rhodes Ferry Park seeks to accomplish:

Provide updated, functional amenities to improve user experience
Celebrate the industrial landscape of Decatur through materials and design
Commemorate Decatur’s rich history with art and cohesive interpretation

The following are the key proposed improvements to the park that help to satisfy these overarching project goals:

Plaza and Tree Bosque at Park Entry
Riverfront Amphitheater and Cruise Landing
New Playground and Splash Pad
Comprehensive Augmented Reality Interpretive Signage Package
Covered Event Stage / Pavilion
Shipping Container Vending Area
New Waterfront Pavilion
Art Installation Along Railroad

Conceptual Site Plan

Conceptual Renderings

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Thank you to our supporters

This conceptual design was made possible by funding through the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge, as well as through the generous support of 3M Decatur with funds from the 3M Foundation and the Tennessee RiverLine’s principal partners, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.