Our friends at Knox County Parks & Recreation are wrapping up a survey about long- and short-term upgrades to Knox County’s parks and recreation programs. This survey is the result of community input in a series of meetings held a couple of years back. The result will be a comprehensive plan for parks in the county’s nine commission districts. Take the survey here.
Lend a hand for public lands: Our friends at Tennessee State Parks have combined two volunteer initiatives into a week-long opportunity to give back: Tennessee Serves and National Public Lands Day. A website outlines the schedule Sept. 16-25. Everyone is invited to help, regardless of experience or ability. The link is here.
Hike with Missy Kane: 9 a.m. to noon, Friday, September 9, I.C. King Park. Cost $10. Info: Legacy Parks Foundation at 865-525-2585. This month is all about hiking for exercise as we head to I.C. King Park for nature trails with steady elevation gain. We will break a sweat as we hike new trails and loop the fishing lake. Register online. And meet at 2625 Maryville Pike. Get Directions
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. Next week’s picks:
Girl Scout Scavenger Hunt: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, Seven Islands State Birding Park. Free. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. The park is filled with all sorts of wildlife, flowers, plants, trees and insects. Explore the park on your own and try to find as many things on a scavenger hunt checklist as you can. Details and registration online.
Marine Mud Run: 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, Melton Hill Park. Info: Marine Mud Run. 3 miles of off-road running, which entails obstacles, hills and mud pits. Open to individuals and teams. Register online.
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.