As of this week, all local kids – even kindergarteners – are back in school full time, and those bundles of energy need a place to play this weekend! Luckily, Knoxville is full of beautiful parks with fun playgrounds to explore. Discover some of these lesser-known spots that have great amenities for you too, and let the kids run wild!
Make your way into north Knoxville, and you’ll find Fountain City Park, a quaint recreation area in the middle of the Fountain City with a freshwater spring running through the middle. A couple of nice little playground areas are nestled among shady trees, benches, a fountain and picnic shelters. Cross the street to find a heart-shaped lake featuring its own walking trail, where together you can feed the ducks or do a little fishing!
More and more are becoming aware of the beauty of south Knoxville, but do you know about the great parks extending out into the county? French Memorial Park off of Martin Mill Pike has a big, bright playground with lots of slides and an exercise yard nearby with features for kids and adults to enhance their workouts. Two soccer fields provide a fun place to run, jump, and play, and the pavilion makes a great place for a picnic between games. The nature trails provide fun paths to explore with the family. On your way in or out, take a peek into the Howard Pinkston Library close to the park’s entrance, and walk the Howard Pinkston Greenway, which winds over to Bonnie Kate Elementary School.
In east Knoxville, take the First Creek Greenway or Winona Street to Caswell Park, where you’ll find the Ashley Nicole Dream Playground, Knoxville’s first totally accessible playground. Families can enjoy the award-winning playground, beautiful gardens and a large grassy open space. While you’re there, enjoy the rocking chairs on the wrap-around porch at the softball complex, which also conveniently has concessions and restrooms.
Head to the west end of the county to find another great ADA-accessible playground at McFee Park in Farragut. Lovingly called Fort McFee, the play area has countless fun elements from swings to rock climbing walls. This is a great place to teach kids about taking care of the environment too, as the park is designed with best practices including LED lights, rain gardens and natural lighting in the restrooms. The McFee Road Greenway parallels the park as well, so bring your walking shoes, wagons and scooters!
I hope these suggestions help you Get Out & Play with the kids in your life this weekend and to explore the outskirts of our beautiful city and county! For more information on our playgrounds and parks, visit OutdoorKnoxville.com