Opportunities to play outside just boosted in Knoxville with four park-related ribbon cuttings held over a ten-day span in November. The new projects include:
- 1.3 miles of added trails
- a new playground geared toward middle schoolers
- an acquired neighborhood park
- new event space
LAKESHORE PARK IMPROVEMENTS
On November 14, 2017, the Lakeshore Park Board (LPB) celebrated a major step in a $25 million master plan to improve the 207-acre park.
The improvements recently completed at Lakeshore Park include an additional mile of paved greenway, Marble Hall (a large pavilion now available for event rentals), restrooms, parking lots, and picnic areas.
There’s more to come at Lakeshore Park. Improvements expected to open in March 2018 include a riverwalk, fishing pier, a two-acre festival lawn, and water access for paddlers.
At the opening this month, the LPB surprised the Haslam family with the unveil of the Haslam Overlook. The Haslams donated $15 million of the current $21 million raised towards the Phase 1A improvements in the master plan. The ultimate goal is $25 million.
To read the media release on the new amenities and the ongoing progress at Lakeshore Park, click HERE.
PLAY FOREST AT BAKER CREEK PRESERVE
South Doyle Middle Schoolers helped christen the new Play Forest at the Baker Creek Preserve on November 15, 2017. The play structure resembles a large fort with a slide perfect for thrill-seeking 11-14 year olds (and enthusiasts of any age).
Other play structures such as hammock-style swings and log climbing areas are scattered throughout the play space in the woods.
The Legacy Parks Foundation earned a grant through from the Trinity Foundation to pay for the play equipment, and the City’s Public Service Department installed the equipment in-house.
Click HERE to read about the exciting new amenities at the 100-acre Baker Creek Preserve.
CHARTER DOYLE GREENWAY EXTENSION
A 0.3-mile extension to Charter Doyle Greenway was opened on November 10, 2017. The new segment connects the 28-acre Charter Doyle Park to Mooreland Heights Elementary School and a sidewalk system that links to dozens of homes.
The City’s Greenways Service Crew built the trail in-house as a way to learn construction techniques from a professional trail builder.
In addition to its connectivity, the trail extension offers a brief escape into a wooded space, much resembling a hike in the mountains. The connection even daylights a part of Knoxville’s history dating back to the Revolutionary War by linking to a cemetery with the grave of a soldier.
Click HERE to read a blog that goes in-depth about the trail extension and the history of the Revolutionary War soldier.
FOREST HEIGHTS POCKET PARK
On November 20, 2017, Forest Heights Neighborhood residents celebrated the City’s acquisition of the Forest Heights Pocket Park.
Originally, the park was owned by the neighborhood residents, divided into 32 small parcels. All 32 parcels were donated to the City so that the park could be consistently maintained and brought to modern day safety standards.
City crews removed several hazardous trees and old play equipment before installing new swings and a natural playscape (tree stump play space).
Click HERE to view the news release for the park’s grand opening after renovations.