Mayor Madeline Rogero and the Lakeshore Park Board of Directors announced today that construction has started on a new universal playground at Lakeshore Park. 

The playground is the first improvement to be constructed at Lakeshore Park following an extensive public input process and an update of the master plan for the 185-acre park. The playground is designed to be inclusive for children of every ability and will include a resilient surface, multiple play areas and special equipment. 

The universal playground will be named in memory of Hank Rappé, the son of Dr. Matt and Brandy Rappé, who passed away on April 5, 2013 - two days before his first Knox Youth Sports tee-ball game at Lakeshore Park. 

"This universal playground is a wonderful tribute to Hank Rappé, and a great next step for Lakeshore Park," said Mayor Rogero. "It will provide a place where all children and families will feel welcome. I want to thank all of the donors whose generosity has made it possible."

Donations from the medical community and friends and family of the Rappés to Knox Youth Sports provided initial funds for playground equipment. The cost of construction of the playground and other improvements has been provided through donations to the Lakeshore Park Board. The total cost of the playground, an adjacent parking area, landscaping and other improvements is $1.2 million. The project will take about 90 days to complete, and a grand opening will be scheduled for mid-Summer 2015. 

Construction team members include Ross/Fowler Landscape Architects, Partners Development, Denark Construction, Inc. and Home Federal Bank of Tennessee.


Design for the new Hank Rappé Universal Playground

Lakeshore Park is a 185-acre public park in Knoxville, TN. Its mission is to preserve, protect and maintain the Park for public use; and to provide ongoing financial support for operation, expansion, enhancement and beautification of the Park.