Blog: City Blog

Lakeshore Park Kicks Off Capital Campaign; Haslam Family, Pilot Flying J Donate $15 Million

Christi Branscom, Deputy to the Mayor and the City's Chief Operating Officer, touted the public-private partnership that's transforming Lakeshore Park.

Christi Branscom, Deputy to the Mayor and the City's Chief Operating Officer, touts the success of the public-private partnership that's transforming Lakeshore Park as a model for success elsewhere.

Supporters of Lakeshore Park today launched a two-phase $50 million community-wide capital campaign to enhance the City's most-visited park.

Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam announced at the park that the company and his family would be jump-starting the campaign with a $15 million private gift.

Lakeshore Park Board Chair Dee Haslam said Lakeshore Park is "something special - a place where everyone can gather."

Board Treasurer Tom McAdams detailed the master plan, saying, "It will be Central Park." He said the start of the private fundraising "marks a turning point for Lakeshore. ... This park will have something for everyone."

Enhancements to the 185-acre Lakeshore Park will include adding a kayak and canoe launch, river overlooks and pavilions, extending the greenway and creating new trails and gardens.

The City's collaboration with community and corporate leaders in enhancing Lakeshore Park is a successful model.

Christi Branscom, Deputy to the Mayor and the City's Chief Operating Officer, said the partnership works because so many people in the private sector have been willing to roll up their sleeves and invest time, talent and money, while City government is committed to expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation.

In the past year, the City has invested more than $5.2 million in infrastructure, demolition of surplus buildings, renovation of the 131-year-old Administration Building and other improvements at Lakeshore Park.

The publicly-financed work sets the stage for private fundraising and implementation of the master plan that will dramatically expand the park’s uses and amenities in the coming decades.

To view the master plan or make a donation, please visit http://lakeshoreparkknoxville.org/.

Enhancements planned at Lakeshore Park

Cornerstone plaque unveiled today thanks the Haslam family for its support.

Posted by evreeland On 05 November, 2015 at 3:36 PM