New launches ready for Beaver Creek Flotilla

Carol EvansOur Town Outdoors, Powell

Two new adaptive kayak launches have been installed on Beaver Creek! You will find them at Powell High Landing (Brickyard Road) and Roy Arthur Stormwater Park (Harrell Road).
We are very proud to be a part of this project with Knox County Parks & Rec and Beaver Creek Kayak Club, with a generous contribution from Aubrey’s Restaurants.

When Randy Burleson gave Legacy Parks Foundation a donation to provide for these launches, we knew it would be hard to get both installed in time for the May 14 Beaver Creek Flotilla. But Knox County Parks & Rec was quick with the site preparation, and the vendor, BoardSafe, installed both this past week. (Click here and here for details and video instructions on using the launches.)

Steven Goodpaster of the Broadacres Homeowners Association said, “These new put-ins are a great addition to the community. The adaptive capability allows those with a range of physical limitations to access the water. Not only do they work well, they look amazing.”

Carolyn Alexander Fellhoelter called the launches “a dream come true.” She posted: “Being on miles of a waterway right in our backyards is the most fun experience! It feels as if you are away from it all! How wonderful that these docks are accessible to those with some physical challenges! Tell your friends! I have extra kayaks you can borrow too!

And our friend Charlie Austin, president of the Beaver Creek Kayak Club, posted: “Yesterday was a huge day for Beaver Creek … and it’s just the beginning! There is so much more planned for this incredible hidden gem here in Knox County!

“It’s taken a ton of work to get to this point and none of it would have been possible without the help of Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Commissioner Larsen Jay, Carol Evans of Legacy Parks Foundation and Knox County Parks & Rec along with so many others!

“It’s incredible what can happen when communities and government work together for the improvement of life and environment.

“Shout out to all those that have been involved to make the dreams of this club become a reality. Let’s all continue this push for a Clear, Clean and Cared for Beaver Creek!”

Flotilla is May 14

Learn to kayak and meet the gang at the Beaver Creek Kayak Club on Saturday, May 14, at the fifth annual Beaver Creek Flotilla. Details and registration here. With dozens of volunteers to help make your trip safe and fun, grab a kayak, paddle board or canoe and put in right behind Powell High School. Float to the new Weigel’s on Clinton Highway (roughly a 1.5- to 2-hour trip) or float all the way to Roy Arthur Stormwater Park on Harrell Road in Karns (roughly a 4 to 4.5-hour trip).

Bring watercraft to the launch behind Powell High School. Gates open at 7 a.m. Help is available to unload, and parking is beside the Powell High School baseball field. Knox Vittles will be serving breakfast and lunch at the launch site where there will also be information about the water trail, music and a chance to meet other paddlers. First boat will launch at 9 a.m. (And the floatmaster is none other than this writer.)

Make sure to bring a personal flotation device (PFD). All floaters 12 and under must wear their PFD on the creek. All floaters must have a PFD with them at all times on the creek. Check the link to learn more about canoe/kayak rentals from River Sports Outfitters.

The event is free and all are welcome. The first 200 to register will receive a commemorative event T-shirt. Sign up for the Beaver Creek Flotilla here.

Go to OutdoorKnoxville.com to find other activities.

Enjoy this photo carousel of  Carly Pearson launching into Beaver Creek. Cameron Broome of Legacy Parks is with her.

Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.

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