Allen Dick, Knoxville native and member of the Dick Broadcasting family, has donated 42 acres of forested land to the Legacy Parks Foundation – property that could expand a city park and provide a recreational connection to residents on the north side of Sharp’s Ridge.
Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks, said the 42 acres is adjacent to Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park, nestled between the Lincoln Park and Fountain City neighborhoods off North Broadway.
In a prepared release, Dick said it brings joy knowing that all Knoxvillians will have access to this open space in perpetuity.
Evans said the Sharp’s Ridge park has enjoyed a transformation into a hiking and biking destination over the past five years as the city has expanded the network of trails on the property.
“The donation of the Dick property to Legacy Parks is reminiscent of the 100 acres of forested land given to Legacy Parks by the Wood family in 2013, property that became Baker Creek Preserve, a destination park for outdoor adventure,” said Evans. She called the donation “an incredible gift,” saying, “It truly allows us to imagine all the possibilities and needs for the property in that area of our city.”
At Baker Creek Preserve, Legacy Parks has created a park for all ages and types of users with trails, adventure play areas and wooded paths.
Legacy Parks Foundation has added more than 500 acres of parkland in Knox County and raised more than $6 million for parks, trails and open space. It has also led the effort to establish Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness in South Knoxville and helped create the Harrell Road Stormwater Park in northwest Knox County.
Legacy Parks helped create Clayton Park in Halls, 50 miles of trails in South Knoxville, Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge South Shore Park on the French Broad River, Collier Preserve in Powell, McBee Ferry Park on the Holston River all in addition to supporting new PetSafe dog parks throughout the region.