Progress on the Intergenerational Playspace at Beverly Park is moving along thanks to the Knox County crews that have worked hard to grade the site and begin installation.
The next phase of the project is to install the rubberized surface for the center ellipse area, followed by the play and rehabilitative equipment.
The playspace is designed to include a play area and therapeutic zone for all ages to engage in both interactive intergenerational play and physical exercise. Encircling the ellipse will be a rubberized surface walking track with handrails and color-coded markers indicating the distance walked.
The therapeutic zone will feature rehabilitative physical exercise equipment and activities for low impact, body weight exercises to focus on balance, muscle tone and fall prevention. Hillcrest Healthcare, located at Beverly Park, and other programming partners will be able to utilize the space for rehabilitation exercises with seniors in an outdoor environment.
The playspace will connect to the existing paved walking loop at Beverly Park. Additionally, benches and a walking storybook trail will be added to the loop encouraging visitors to walk the loop and read the story as they walk – a perfect activity for all generations to enjoy together.
The Intergenerational Playspace aims to establish a space where generations can engage in interactive activities – to stimulate the brain, body and the senses with a variety of physical, visual, audible and cognitive experiences for all generations – and to take full advantage of all the benefits of being outdoors.
We invite you to join us for an informational webinar on Tuesday, September 12, if you are interested in learning more about intergenerational play and the many benefits this playspace will have for the community. Email us to be added to the webinar!
Special thanks to our project partners: Trinity Healthcare Foundation, Humana, Siddiqi Foundation, Ross/Fowler, Knox County, PlayCore, Hillcrest Healthcare, TVA Retirees Association
Meanwhile, here are four interesting events to get us outdoors this summer:
Saturday, August 12
Powell Station Celebration and Travis Wegener Memorial Car Show, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Powell Station Park and Powell High School, Emory Road. Info here. Legacy Parks will be there with information on ways YOU can help build Angora Frog Farm.
Sunday, August 13
Trails that Can’t Be Concord: 8 a.m., The Cove at Concord Park. Info: Knoxville Track Club. A wild and wooly 5.5-mile course; a twisty and scenic 5k course; a fast and furious Kids Trail Mile. Kids Trail Mile starts at 7:30 a.m. Register online.
Tuesday, August 15
Bearden Greenway Ride: 6 p.m. Bearden Bike & Trail. Free. Info: Bearden Bike & Trail at 865-200-8710. 14- to 21-mile greenway ride exploring downtown Knoxville. All skill levels. Usually dine outdoors after the ride. Weather permitting. Details online.
Sunday, August 20
Frog Walk: 9 p.m., Cove Lake State Park. Cost $3. Info: Cove Lake State Park at 423-566-9701. Join Ranger Jordan Cross on a 1-mile walk along the lake bank to look for frogs and learn about each species that lives at Cove Lake. Lanterns provided for use during the program; feel free to bring your own. Register online.
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation. Find dozens of outdoors events at outdoorknoxville.com/.