After years of planning, Mayor Indya Kincannon and others cut the ribbon on the new Fort Kid Park, Monday, March 6, 2023.
While some finishing work is still being completed at the site, the new playground is now open to the public.
“It is great to see this project finally come to fruition,” said Kincannon. “Families all across Knoxville, including my own, have made lasting memories in this space.
“With the new ADA improvements, connectivity to the Knoxville Museum of Art, and a play structure designed following extensive community input, I know Fort Kid Park will continue to be a special place for families for generations to come.”
Improvements at the site include:
- A new accessible play surface
- A fort tower and slide
- Climbing and balancing poles
- A fully- accessible merry-go-round
- A toddler play area
- A new, full- accessible pathway, and
- New site grading and soil enhancements
Big slide
Mayor’s slide
Fort Kid Park was originally constructed thanks to the leadership and vision of Beth Waters, back in 1991. That community build will be recognized with plaques at the site that will be added in the weeks to come.
The total project cost nearly $1.3 million and was funded from a variety of sources including donations from Knoxville businessman Thomas Boyd, the Downtown Knoxville Alliance and Visit Knoxville. Read more about the project here.
L&N STEM Mock Trial Team
Congratulations to the L&N STEM Academy Mock Trial team for a successful competition!
KCS College & Career Expo
Knox County Schools will host a College & Career Expo today (3/8/23) for 11th grade students at the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall. It is designed to help students learn more about enrolling in college or trade school, enlisting in service to their country or finding employment in high-wage, in-demand careers.
Notes
The Tennessee Theater will celebrate East Tennessee’s high school musical theater students by hosting the Marquee Awards. The Marquee Awards are dedicated to supporting the talents, education, and opportunities of high school theater students in East Tennessee. Information here about this newly created award coming in May 2024.
Children’s Hospital says to Save the Date for Camp Cure 2023, the camp for kids dealing with diabetes. The camp is scheduled for Monday-Friday, June 12-16, with a pirate theme. Registration will be available soon. Info here.
Susan Espiritu is the ultimate optimist who wants to share amusing, uplifting, optimistic and entertaining stories from your neighbors and youth! Send them to susan@knoxtntoday.com