Knox County Opens New Thomas "Tank" Strickland Park
Knox County broke ground on the Concord PetSafe Dog Park on Thursday, August 12, 2010. Mayor Ragsdale, Randy Boyd, owner of PetSafe, representatives from the department of Parks and Recreation, and pets and their owners were on hand to see the first shovels of dirt turned at the site...more>>
Construction to begin on Concord PetSafe Dog Park
Knox County broke ground on the Concord PetSafe Dog Park on Thursday, August 12, 2010. Mayor Ragsdale, Randy Boyd, owner of PetSafe, representatives from the department of Parks and Recreation, and pets and their owners were on hand to see the first shovels of dirt turned at the site.
The park, one of five funded by a generous donations from PetSafe, will be located behind the Concord Park Par 3 Golf Course, on the site of the old swimming pool. The park, covering nearly three acres will have access to the water, a specific area for large and small dogs, shade structures, and walking trails. The construction will be done by Knox County staff and should be completed by spring 2011.
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Second Saturday
The Air National Guard Band of the Smoky Mountains is the featured group at this weekend’s Second Saturday Concerts at The Cove from 6 until 8 p.m. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and a picnic, or come by boat, and enjoy the big band and patriotic sounds of this great local group of musicians. The park is located at 11808 Northshore Drive.
The Cove features a sandy beach, sand volleyball courts, a playground, greenway loop, several grills, and picnic tables. The concert is free, and much of the seating area is in the shade.
Evolution of a Park
The construction at Burlington Park, 4618 Asheville Highway, is nearing completion. Here you can see the final stages of construction.
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New Harvest Park Farmers Market
Grand Opening Thursday, June 24th
The Grand Opening for this season's New Harvest Park Farmers Market will be Thursday, June 24, from 3 until 6 p.m. Vendors will have fresh, locally grown produce, plants, dairy, meats, and bakery products.
Join the Walk and Read Club for a two-for-one healthy habit
Wouldn’t it be great to have someone read you a great story while you are taking an invigorating walk? You’d flex your body and your mind at the same time. To encourage this healthy habit, on July 17th, Knox County is launching the Walk and Read Club to encourage citizens to take up this two-for-one habit…walking and listening to audio books...more >>
Are You Ready to Get Out!
Series of outdoor activities benefits Legacy Parks Foundation
Bike rides on community greenways and mountain bike trails, hikes in community parks and river paddles from both west Knox County and downtown locations are all part of the upcoming GetOut! series. Knox County and the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation departments are partnering with Legacy Parks Foundation to present the GetOut! series to provide fun recreational activities that encourage healthy lifestyles while enjoying the natural resources of our area. Activities are scheduled throughout the month of June for anyone interested in beginning or continuing biking, hiking, or paddling...more >>
activ-8 is a free community-wide effort to improve the health and reduce the risk of chronic disease in Knox County residents. By joining the program, participants will be given information about healthy eating and a list of opportunities to increase physical activity through eight weeks of planned events.
The idea is to encourage people to try something new - such as canoeing, disc golf, or tennis - that may lead to a lifetime of fitness. Equipment and instruction will be available at each activ-8 event. Come and TRY IT!
Registration is available at www.knoxcounty.org/health
Knox County Parks and Recreation will hold an open house to present the plans for Clayton Park on Tuesday, May 11, from 5 until 7 p.m., at the Halls Senior Center, 4410 Crippen Road.
The new Clayton Park, located at 7347 Norris Freeway, is being designed by Ross/Fowler architects. The concept plan includes walking trails, picnic shelters, an adventure playground, amphitheater, and interpretive signs. The park is designed to highlight the natural setting along Beaver Creek, while protecting the wildlife habitat and wetland areas.
The design will be on display for community feedback at the open house. Representatives from PBA, Ross/Fowler, and Knox County Parks and Recreation will be available for questions and comments. Click here for larger view of plans.
Knox County Expands Recycling Program to Athletic Parks
Sports drinks and water bottles make up majority of trash at sites
Knox County Parks and Recreation has expanded the recycling program, begun last fall at John Tarleton Park, to two other parks with community-wide sports programs. Tommy Schumpert Park, 6400 Fountain City Road, and the Knox County Sportspark, 8050 Oak Ridge Highway, will now have recycling containers for bottles and cans...more >>
Knox County Parks and Recreation Honors Volunteers at Annual Meeting
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Knox County Parks and Recreation held its annual meeting and volunteer recognition lunch on Monday, March 22, where Senior Director Doug Bataille highlighted park projects and accomplishments, recognized volunteers for their efforts, and named the first corporate citizen award recipient.
Ron Rochelle, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, welcomed the crowd of county commissioners, board members, volunteers, and friends, then introduced Mayor Ragsdale. Ragsdale commented on the department’s successes during his tenure, and praised Bataille for his leadership...more>>
Grant Supports Continued Signage on Greenways
Knox County Parks and Recreation has received a $2,500 State Park Connections grant from the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation (TP&GF) to continue the signage and wayfinding program on county greenways.
“This funding will really help in our effort to enhance the experience for all greenway users,” said Doug Bataille, Senior Director of Parks and Recreation for the County. “We are essentially branding the greenways, and providing useful information about directions, distances, and connections.”
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Burlington Park Construction Is Underway!
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| Left to Right: Trey Benefield, Michelle Carringer, Nick DellaVolpe, Dave Wright, Tank Strickland, Mayor Mike Ragsdale, Sharon Davis, Sam McKenzie, Marilyn Roddy, Ed Shouse. |
On February 18, Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, with the help of community representatives, turned the first shovelful of dirt on the property that will become the Burlington neighborhood park. The park, which is adjacent to the Burlington branch library, has been in the planning stage for several months, and will open later this spring.
With community input, the park was designed as a passive space, with places to sit under shady trees, paved paths, and a small children’s play area. Site preparations included the restoration of a stream. Other features include native plantings and an informal amphitheater-style grass seating area...more>>
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