Legacy Parks Foundation announced September 8, 2022, that the funds are in hand to begin construction of the French Broad Veterans Memorial Park, a 7-acre park overlooking the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in east Knox County. Legacy Parks has raised $1.3 million for the initial construction of the park, including $250,000 from Knox County and $500,000 from the state of Tennessee.
The flag is raised
A gathering place for all citizens, the Veterans Park can tell the story of service and sacrifice by veterans and families in our region. With nearly half a million veterans in Tennessee, a powerful story can be shared.
Nestled in the forest with a panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains, this park will fill the need for a place where our veteran organizations and families can gather. Currently, the Veterans Cemetery holds three services a day, precluding the ability to host other events on that site.
Once constructed, the park will be owned and managed by Knox County as a public park. Legacy Parks is still accepting donations for enhancements to the park design and to create a maintenance fund. Thank you to everyone who has donated to this project.
See the park design or donate here.
Down the road
Cycling Cades Cove Loop: Don’t forget, Cades Cove in the Smokies is closed to cars on Wednesdays. Enjoy the solitude of an 11-mile bike ride or run. Sunrise to Sunset. Info: Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 865-436-7318. Details and map online.
East Knoxville Community Cleanup: Saturday, September 17, 9 a.m. to noon., Ashley Nicole Dream Playground. Free. Info: Keep Knoxville Beautiful at 865-521-6957. KKB will provide litter pickers, gloves, safety vests and trash bags. Details here.
Sunday, September 18
Sunday Morning Runners: 8 a.m., Third Creek Greenway, Forest Park Blvd. Info: Sunday Morning Runners. Run your distance, your pace. Occasionally switches to 7 a.m. Check Facebook for confirmation of time & meetup.
Paddle Trip: 10 a.m., Holston River Park. Cost $25. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Meet at the take-out 30 minutes prior to launch time to shuttle to the put-in. Cost $25 per person – includes boat, gear and shuttle. Register online.
Kayak 101 at the Cove: 9 a.m., The Cove at Concord Park. Cost $35. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. An introduction to kayaking where participants learn about boat dynamics, appropriate gear, basic skills such as the forward stroke, sweep stroke and ferrying. Register online.
Outdoor Knoxville, published by Legacy Parks Foundation and compiled by Elle Colquitt at elle@legacyparks.org is a comprehensive listing of upcoming events in Knox and area counties. Most free, all fun and all outdoors. Find them here.
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.