Powell is searching for a few good sponsors to create a nature preserve just minutes from I-75 on Emory Road. The former homestead of Stella Moore Collier was donated to Legacy Parks Foundation by Dr. Bob Collier in December 2016.
The land lies adjacent to the Powell Branch Library and borders Beaver Creek. The 12-acre site is home to birds and wildlife including a flock of wild turkeys.
Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks, says, “The vision for Collier Preserve is to create a place for nature exploration and quiet reflection. Once the property is transformed into a public preserve it will become a county park, maintained by Knox County Parks & Recreation.”
Key features of the Preserve will include:
- Natural surface walking trails
- Native plants and wetlands
- Benches and bird boxes
- Restored historic structures
- Interpretive signs
- Kayak rest stop on Beaver Creek
The Powell Business & Professional Association, through its committee Enhance Powell, has taken the lead to raise $50,000 for the initial phase (listed above). Support opportunities include Legacy Donors, $5,000 and above; Sustaining Donors, $1,000 to $4,999; and Preservation donors, $500-$999.
At the August PBPA meeting, R. Larry Smith pledged $500 and Movement Mortgage pledged $100. KnoxTNToday.com will monitor collections and report frequently.
The design was created by East Tennessee Community Design Center: project manager, Leslie Fawaz; intern architect, Josh Shaffer; professional advisors, Trey Benefield, ASLA, AICP; and Jessie Fears, senior staff engineer with Geosyntec Consuultants.
Contributions can be made at legacyparks.org or by mailing contributions to Legacy Parks Foundation, 900 Volunteer Landing Lane, Knoxville, TN 37902. Evans says, “Please be sure to include a phone number so we may discuss your recognition and benefits directly with you.”