Mayor Bill Haslam today dedicated Victor Ashe Park in northwest Knoxville in a ceremony attended by the Ambassador to Poland and his family.

The 115-acre park is located on Bradshaw Road, and includes a picnic shelter, playground, trails, concession stand and open space suitable for a wide range of activities.

Coinciding with the park's dedication is completion of the Bradshaw Road redesign. The $1.1 million project included widening and straightening Bradshaw Road, removing a dangerous blind hill, and adding sidewalks. Turn lanes were also created on Bradshaw to provide safer access at its intersection with Ball Camp Pike and Pleasant Ridge Road.

"This new City of Knoxville park is already proving popular with surrounding neighborhoods and the recreation community," noted Mayor Haslam. "With the completion of construction on Bradshaw Road access to the park is much easier and safer."

The park was named by City Council in December 2001 in honor of Ashe, who completed his tenure as Mayor of Knoxville two years later. President Bush last April nominated Ashe to serve as Ambassador to Poland.

Property for the $4.5 million park was acquired in 1999, and local architectural firm Bullock Smith & Partners created its design. Contractor was Phillips & Jordan Inc., also of Knoxville.

The park was the site for cross-country meets and a soccer tournament last fall. Construction on Bradshaw Road was completed earlier this month