New trails, new access to our waterways and new partnerships were announced today to a sold-out crowd of more than 1,000 guests at Legacy Parks Foundation’s annual Legacy Luncheon for the Parks.

Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation kicked off the announcements with a big fundraising milestone. “I’m pleased to say that $1.3 million has been raised this year to create the French Broad Veterans Memorial Park in east Knox County, and construction is set to begin in 2023. “This beautiful 7-acre park will provide veterans, their families and the community with a gathering place for celebration, commemoration and reflection overlooking the French Broad River and the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery,” said Evans.

The Luncheon Parks is the Foundation’s annual fundraising event that celebrates the accomplishments of the organization over the past year. 

To date, Legacy Parks has raised more than $11 million for parks and trails, added over 600 acres of parkland in Knox County, and created over 50 miles of trails within Knoxville’s city limits. 

In addition to the new Veterans Park in east Knox County, Legacy Parks is creating the SoKno Rail Trail, a 1.5 mile trail along the rail line in the heart of South Knoxville’s business district. “And in west Knoxville, another trail will be created at West Hills Park, said Evans. “It will be a natural surface trail will meander through the woods at this beloved community park.” 

Last year, Evans announced the goal to create access for all to outdoor recreation so that people with disabilities can enjoy the benefits of playing in our beautiful woods and waterways. Two great projects have since been completed. An adaptive trail was created at Dogwood Elementary in south Knoxville leading directly from the school’s playground to the existing outdoor classroom, allowing all children - including those using mobility devices - navigable access to the outdoor learning space. In addition to the Dogwood adaptive trail, Legacy Parks also added an adaptive boat launch on Beaver Creek at Powell High Landing in north Knoxville. 

In continuation of the efforts towards access for all, Evans announced that adaptive access that will be added on the French Broad River. “Through a partnership with Knox County, TWRA and TVA, we will be enhancing Cruze Landing to upgrade the boat ramp and install a fully adaptive boat dock for all types of paddle craft,” said Evans.

Evans also emphasized excitement for the recent celebratory groundbreaking with the City of Knoxville at Morningside Park to transform it into a BlueCross BlueShield Healthy Place. Legacy Parks was awarded the $5 million BlueCross BlueShield Healthy Place grant in 2020 to create the multi-generational, multi-ability playspace.

A new Play Every Day initiative was introduced by Evans. “We are working with many partners including Visit Knoxville, Knox County, the City of Knoxville and national consultants to enhance our community sports fields with artificial turf. This project, championed by Phillip Fulmer, could make a big impact on year-round tourism opportunities and our region’s youth sports programs,” said Evans.

In celebration of Legacy Parks’ work, keynote speaker, Cheryl Strayed, imparted upon the hundreds of business and community leaders in attendance insights from her journey hiking more than 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail alone – a story of survival, grief and redemption.

This year’s luncheon was presented by Verizon; Gold Sponsors: Board Safe, Massey Electric, Nyrstar, UCOR; Platinum Sponsors: Bacon and Company, Boston Government Services, Gulf & Ohio Railways, Home Federal Bank, KaTom Restaurant Supply Inc, Longnecker & Associates, Julie & Don Moul, Mountain Commerce Bank, ORAU, Planet H2O, PYA, Realty Executives, Realty Trust Group, Robin Easter Design, RSI Entech, The Trust Company of Tennessee along with many table sponsors listed on legacyparks.org. 
 
###
 
Legacy Parks Foundation is an East Tennessee nonprofit that works to conserve our natural resources, create public places, and connect communities. The goal is to ensure that the region enjoys exceptional recreational opportunities and natural beauty and that these assets exist for generations to come. To date, Legacy Parks has raised more than $11 million, added 600 plus acres of parkland for Knox County, and helped conserve 1,000 acres of natural space in East Tennessee