Hey, Powell. Saturday, Aug. 4, is a big day.
Legacy Parks Foundation volunteers will be at Collier Preserve (adjacent to Powell Branch Library on Emory Road) from 8-11 a.m. for a community workday. Carol Evans hopes for 30 or so folks with work gloves and small tools to help clear brush and perhaps take down a barn on the property. Everyone is invited.
Meanwhile, on Brickyard Road behind the high school, Steven Goodpaster expects “50 to 200” watercraft at 10 a.m. to join the first-ever Flotilla on Beaver Creek. Roy Arthur of Knox County’s storm water office has worked with county inmates to remove obstructions on Beaver Creek from Brickyard Road to Clinton Highway.
It should be smooth sailing, floating or paddling down the creek.
At a planning meeting this week at LifeHouse Coffee, Goodpaster said he and Arthur took a trial run down the creek. “Roy was pointing to the holes along the creek banks, saying beavers like to live near water but don’t necessarily need dams.” Steven spotted a big beaver swimming alongside their watercraft as if listening.
“There’s a reason it’s named Beaver Creek,” said Bill Weigel.
Powell High School principal Chad Smith promised to open the gate near the PHS baseball field for parking. He’s also hosting the Travis Wegener Memorial Car Show the next Saturday, Aug. 11, at the high school.
Weigel offered drinking water and possibly a tent at his new store on Clinton Highway – the takeout point for the kayaks and canoes. Other businesses are kicking in. Vaughn Pharmacy will supply 100 power bars, said Carolyn Wells. Bill Dunn thought she said power balls. Lottery tickets? Larsen Jay will bring lemonade, said Justin Bailey. R. Larry Smith, Ken McMullen, Sage Kohler and others attended the planning meeting.
What if you don’t own a boat?
Legacy Parks Foundation is bringing 12 kayaks that folks can use at no cost – first come, first served. River Sports Outfitters will be renting kayaks for $15, including a flotation device and paddle.
Members of the Beaver Creek Kayak Club are expected to participate. All-in-all, it should be great fun – if only to see an array of non-athletes literally jump in the creek. Y’all come!