All systems go for Beaver Creek Flotilla on May 14

Mike DonilaOur Town Outdoors, Powell

Lots of great things going on as we head into the summer months! First, our Concord Park crew is in overdrive, particularly at The Cove where they’ve placed new sand at the beach and the volleyball court – also adding new nets and out of bounds markers for the court. Additionally, they’ve fixed the outdoor showers.

Of course, there’s also the fifth annual Beaver Creek Flotilla, which organizers say is going to be the largest one yet! So far, more than 400 people have registered to float in what will be an epic day for community in Knox County. The gates will open at 7 a.m. at the landing behind Powell High School with opening ceremonies and announcements set to start around 8:40 a.m., and the first boat scheduled to hit the water at 9 a.m. This year’s float will be led by floatmaster Carol Evans of the Legacy Parks Foundation.

Also, a crew – including senior director Joe Mack – from the Knox County Parks and Recreation Department will be on hand at the start, giving away some cool swag! The event also will offer two takeout locations. The first is a 2-hour float to Clinton Highway along the annual route. But, because the awesome Water Trail crew in our department has been clearing Beaver Creek, the event also will extend to Roy Arthur Stormwater Park on Harrell Road. That route will take about four hours, and floaters are expected to finish about 1 p.m.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will be at Roy Arthur Stormwater Park to greet the finishers. Speaking of the Water Trail crew, earlier this week they hauled off 12 tons of debris! And the contractors last week took away another 40 tons.

“It’s moving and shaking – we have a lot of stuff moving and shaking,” said Jason Halliburton, who is over maintenance for the department.

Chris Hurley with Mayor Glenn Jacobs

In addition, my main man Brad Hurst has been working on the splash pads, tinkering with the machines and getting them up to speed for their Friday, May 13, opening! Can’t wait! Also, on May 12 at 6 p.m., folks can join us for Sunset Yoga at Rocky Point, which is part of the Concord Park system. And don’t forget – we continue to host – in partnership with Nourish Knoxville – the New Harvest Park Farmers Market every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. through September.

I’d like to give a shoutout to Chris Hurley – our teammate of the month! Chris has been with the Knox County Parks and Recreation for 13 years. He is responsible for leading the team that manages golf course maintenance. In addition to his maintenance duties, he oversees planning, implementing and controlling the budget to maintain the golf course. He leads four full-time staff and 13 part-time employees. Recently, he has assumed responsibilities for Beverly and Concord par-three golf courses. He also collaborates with outside organizations such as UT and the Tennessee Golf Foundation to improve the greens on courses that benefit juniors.

Chris is active in the community as a member of his church, a member of the Superintendents Association and Kids Play Free. He is constantly looking outside the box to make the golf courses better. Chris is a role model to all employees and creates the best environment for our team to succeed and customers to enjoy the facility.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a column without a mention of our one-man machine Frank Christian. Here’s a text he sent me for the weekly update: “Been helping with mulch work at Tommy Schumpert Park; finishing up signs at Beverly Dog Park; will be repainting doors again at Forks of the River Park, more graffiti on them, some park cleaning, and helping with a special event this week, and sign work.”

Home Run Derby winner Dan Billings

More on the maintenance side: Our carpenters fixed the doors to the restroom at Powell Station Park. Some knucklehead ripped off the doors and somehow bent them. We’re also installing automatic doors at the New Harvest Park facility and the restrooms, which will now lock automatically at 8 p.m. If that works out, we’ll probably install them at other parks.

And of course, our mowers have been mowing and going!

On the recreation side, youth baseball and softball continue through the end of the month and adult softball also is ongoing. Middle school baseball, too, runs through the end of the month at the Sportspark at Karns. Also, flag football is coming up and we’ll have more details soon. Last week, we held a home run derby. The winner was Dan Billings.

Finally, we are at Central High School ready to offer great summer jobs at our golf courses, and as recreation assistants and groundskeepers at several of our parks! Call Jennifer at 865-215-6600 for more information.

Here are some photos from work around the county:

Mike Donila is communications director for Knox County government

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