Friends Steven Goodpaster and Charlie Austin just don’t quit. Both have real jobs and real families. Yet each finds time to “moonlight” building parks in Powell (Steven) and enhancing the Beaver Creek water trail (Charlie).

Steven Goodpaster

Carol Evans of Legacy Parks Foundation reported that construction on another access point along the Beaver Creek Water Trail will begin this month for a third accessible boat launch and parking area – this one adjacent to the Knox County SportsPark in Karns. The project is set to be open in May, Evans said.

“In addition to this progress, Legacy Parks received a generous donation of 12 acres in Powell,” she wrote. “This property is planned to become a nature park, offering additional access to Beaver Creek, a playground and walking trails.”

Hmmm. Wonder what Steven Goodpaster has to say about this?

Sure enough, he had posted a “boy howdy” note with a concept plan of the new park. Steven said the 12-acre site is just south of the Weigel’s flagship store on Clinton Highway and extends along Beaver Creek.

And guess who was the first to respond?

Charlie Austin

“It’s going to happen,” said Charlie Austin.

“It’s going to be a great addition,” said Steven. “Can’t wait.”

Steven explained: “Several years ago, the Enhance Powell Committee worked with the East Tennessee Community Design Center to draft concept plans. Those looked to Weigel’s Farm for inspiration and included white three-rail fencing and a restroom building with a red barn look. Super cute and fitting the community.”

And Steven added: “I have faith that it’ll come. The community really does benefit from thoughtful additions like this. This park, in particular, will put to good use land that isn’t well suited for commercial development, but yet is readily accessible and supportive of use of the creek.

“The freshly remade Powell Sports Courts (behind Powell Middle School) are another great example of bringing outdoor recreation to the people. The courts are used nearly every day – and by a wide range of age groups. It’s awesome to see.”

Powell Sports Courts is not a part of the middle school campus, as many believe, but is owned by Knox County and operated by Parks & Recreation. Open dawn to dusk, the new park contains a basketball court, tennis courts and adjacent pickleball courts with plenty of close parking. Come up Shropshire off Emory Road, pass the post office on your left, the middle school on your right and turn right at the green sign “Powell Courts.”

Unofficial concept plan for the proposed Powell Park from the archives of Steven Goodpaster. Access is off Bill Bell Road, just south of the Weigel’s on Clinton Highway at W. Emory Road.

KKB volunteers gather almost six tons of litter in February 2026

Keep Knoxville Beautiful (KKB) is taking over management and staffing of the city of Knoxville’s four recycling drop-off centers. The centers are at:

  • South Knoxville: 225 W. Moody Ave.
  • East Knoxville: 210 Alice St.
  • North Knoxville: 5412 Pleasant Ridge Rd.
  • West Knoxville: 341 Park Village Rd.
North Knoxville Cleanup was ‘day of inspiration’

Volunteers from Keep Knoxville Beautiful had a great turnout and great weather for the recent cleanup in the Whittle Springs area. Trees Knoxville planted new trees at Whittle Springs Middle School on the same day.

South Knoxville Cleanup is next

The tenth annual South Knoxville Community Cleanup will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event base will be at Chapman Square, 4409 Chapman Hwy., Knoxville. Ijams Nature Center is partnering with KKB to remove invasive plant species.

“We will be removing litter from South Knoxville roads, creeks and parks. Participants of any age are welcome! We look forward to seeing those who live, work or play in South Knoxville – as well as anyone who wants to lend a helping hand,” said KKB presser.

There are three volunteer options:

  • Groups: Perfect for businesses, neighborhoods and student groups
  • Litter cleanup volunteer at Chapman Square
  • Invasive removal volunteer with Ijams at Community Unity Park in Montgomery Village

In February, KKB hosted 26 cleanups with 825 volunteers collecting 11,765 pounds of litter. Contact KKB at amanda@keepknoxvillebeautiful.org or 865-521-6957 with any questions.

Notes and Quotes

Outdoor Knoxville, a calendar produced by Legacy Parks Foundation, is has a comprehensive list of upcoming local outdoor events. Find it here.

Two days remain to register for the Tennessee Environmental Council annual tree sale, offering native seedlings ($2.99 – $4.99/ each) to all Tennesseans. You must reserve trees by March 8, 2026, at tectn.org/tennesseetreeday. The website includes pictures and descriptions of available species and helpful tips on planting.

Quote: “Volunteers are the heart and soul of Knoxville, especially during marathon weekend,” – Jason Altman, race director for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. More than 1,000 volunteers are needed on Saturday and Sunday, April 11-12, 2026. Explore opportunities and sign up here.

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