Next Monday, the City of Knoxville will host the second in a series of “Neighborhoods to Nature” walks, designed to encourage citizens to discover nearby parks and greenways while also promoting physical activity.

The next walk will be held Monday, Oct. 24, with local residents starting on their walks at 5:30 p.m. and convening at Beardsley Farm in Malcolm-Martin Park 20-30 minutes later. 

Residents from the neighborhoods of Mechanicsville, Old Mechanicsville, Beaumont, Western Heights, West View and Ridgebrook Apartments are invited to participate, as is anyone who is interested.

Mayor Madeline Rogero, members of City Council and other City officials will accompany residents on the walks, which will depart from four separate starting points:

• Danny Mayfield Park, 700 College St.
• Beaumont Elementary, 1211 Beaumont Ave.
• West View Elementary, 1714 Mingle Ave.
• Ridgebrook Apartments, Complex Entrance (Ridgebrook Lane & Western Avenue)*

*Ridgebrook Apartments starting point will be picked up at 5:40 p.m. by West View walking group

“It’s quick and convenient to get from just about any community to a park or greenway,” Mayor Rogero said. “I hope that many of our citizens will join me for Monday’s planned group walk. It’s a chance to get to know your neighbors a little better while enjoying an evening walk.” 

In addition, information booths and food trucks will be available at Beardsley Farm after the walk. Groups will be escorted back to meeting points by a police officer; however, everyone is welcome to walk back on their own at their leisure.

Once arrived at Beardsley Farm in Malcolm-Martin Park, residents will have the opportunity to enjoy a performance by local celebrity and DJ “Sterl the Pearl,” tour Beardsley Farm (including chicken house and gardens), play basketball and other games, purchase food from several local food trucks, and explore booths with information on neighborhood services.

Children are encouraged to participate in the walks but should be accompanied by an adult.

This is the second installment of the Neighborhoods to Nature series. The first walk was convened at Ashley Nicole Dream Playground in Caswell Park and had more than 200 participants and more than 30 City officials attend.

The City plans to host more Neighborhoods to Nature walks in other parts of the city in coming months. For more information, call 311 or visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/knoxN2N. To follow and post on social media, please use the hashtag #knoxN2N.