Work continues on county’s water trail
Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks, was master of ceremonies at the July 28, 2026, opening of the kayak launch at Karns Landing on Beaver Creek.
The latest adaptive kayak launch on Beaver Creek, marks another milestone in the effort to create an accessible Knox County Water Trail, Evans said.
A look at the launch
“Karns Landing is the third adaptive kayak launch completed on Beaver Creek, along with Roy Arthur Stormwater Park and Powell High Landing. Designed with accessibility in mind, the new launch includes an ADA-compliant gangway and ramp, handrails, transfer area and a wide platform that makes entering and exiting a kayak easier for everyone!
“We are proud to partner with Knox County on a shared commitment to protect Beaver Creek and expand access by creating trails, parks, boat launches and conserving land along Beaver Creek.
“Thank you to the incredible community of partners on this project including Beaver Creek Kayak Club, East Tennessee Community Design Center, Knox County Government and Knox County Parks & Rec/.”
Red balloon marks Karns Landing. (Graphic by Steven Goodpaster)
Travis Wegener Car Show is August 8
The Tennessee Valley Mustang Club will roll into Powell on Saturday, August 8, 2026, for the 12th annual Travis Wegener Memorial Car Show. The show will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Powell High School.
Travis Wegener
Of course, there’s a playground for kids adjacent to the car show at Powell Station Park. And behind the playground, a 9-hole disc golf course extends to Beaver Creek. The park is well-maintained by Knox County Parks & Rec. All-in-all there’s something for everyone on August 8.
Funds raised support the Enhance Powell committee of the Powell Business and Professional Association (PBPA). Travis Wegener was a Powell High School graduate who ran a successful landscaping business. He was killed at age 28 on August 15, 2014, when a shooter opened fire on a family gathering in Inskip.
“It’s not that one person or group makes this happen,” said Dr. Donald Wegener, Travis’s father. “The strength is in the community coming together with a common goal.”
Knox County Parks & Rec has been an invaluable partner, he said, with support from mayors Tim Burchett and Glenn Jacobs along with county commissioners, especially Larsen Jay.
Cars (bikes and trucks) pay $25 to enter with awards to the top 40. There is no admission charge to spectators. Lunch will be available for purchase on-site.
Disc golf tourney planned for August 8
John Diamond chairs the annual disc golf tournament at Powell Station Park. (file photo)
How do you make an 18-hole golf course out of a 9-hole layout? John Diamond has figured out a way. John is coordinating a disc golf tournament concurrent with the Travis Wegener Memorial Car show on August 8.
With permission from Knox County Parks and Rec, Diamond is installing nine more baskets at Powell Station Park. Players will throw from the existing nine pads, he said. John hopes to have everything up and running by the August 8 tournament.
Tournament sponsors are Pluto Sports and Innova Discs. It’s $25 to play with tee times at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Prizes for each division: Beginner, intermediate, advanced, junior, women’s and 65+. Participants must pre-register at Powellstationdg@gmail.com/. Send name(s) of players, tee time, division and email address.
Notes & quotes
Battlefield Farm and the One Five Market, both organized by Pastor Chris Battle, need love and support. Info here.
Ijams Nature Center will celebrate hummingbirds Thursday-Saturday, August 13-15. Various events. Tickets and info here.
Karns Landing, an ADA accessible kayak launch near the rugby field at 8051 Oak Ridge Hwy., is officially open to watercraft. Officials cut the ribbon on Tuesday, July 28. Managed by Knox County Parks & Rec, the launch is open from sunrise to sunset every day. Info here.
Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes daily at KnoxTNToday – the Let’s Talk series includes topics of law, neighbors, schools, leaders and outdoors. Enjoyed this article? Read more Let’s Talk – Outdoors by Sandra Clark.
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