Legendary Mountaineer Hillary set for Mayors' Luncheon
Peter Hillary, famed son of Sir Edmond Hillary and from one of the great families of mountaineering will headline the Mayors' Luncheon for the Parks October 8th in Fort Dickerson Park in downtown Knoxville.
Hosted by Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, the event celebrates the importance of parks and greenspace to the overall quality of life and economic vitality of communities. More than 500 business and civic leaders annually attend this key fundraising event for Legacy Parks Foundation.
Like his father, who made the first ascent of Mt Everest in 1953, Peter Hillary has summited Everest and reached the South Pole on skis, forging a new route across Antarctica. He links his own challenges to the achievement of goals for any individual, and focuses on the importance of preparation, perseverance, teamwork, caution and good judgment – as well as enjoying the journey.
Reserved tables for ten guests are $1,000 and individual tickets are $100. Reservations can be make by calling 865.525.2585 or online now »
LPF Teams to Build Environmental Park
Knox County's first Stormwater Park will be built in the Karns community through a partnership of Legacy Parks Foundation, the Beaver Creek task Force, Knox County Stormwater Department, the University of Tennessee, Tennessee Water Resources Research Center, and the East Tennessee Community Design Center. The new park on vacant property along Beaver Creek on Harrell Road will be a model for stormwater management practices such as rain gardens, wetland ponds and riparian buffers. The project with transform land donated to Legacy Parks Foundation by developer Scott Davis from an illegal dump site to a refuge-style nature park with wetland ponds, abundant native plants, flowers, and trees and a natural surface walking trail around the perimeter of the eleven acres. Funding for the project will come from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture 319 Program and dollars raised by Legacy Parks Foundation. Once created, the park land will be conveyed to Knox County as a new addition to the parks system Contributions to the development of the park or groups wishing to adopt the park are welcome.
Get Out! Series Returns
Warm weather is here and it's time to GET OUT! The GetOut! series of activities provides fun, recreational experiences to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the natural resources of our area. Activities are scheduled all summer for anyone interested in beginning or continuing biking, hiking, or paddling.
A $10 donation to Legacy Parks Foundation is suggested for each activity.
Please register here or by calling (865) 541-4500.
All GetOut! activities are eligible for the Knox County Health Department's Activ-8 program passport stamps.
Mountain Biking with Appalachian Mountain Bike Club
Meet in the parking lot of Anderson-South Head Start, 4808 Prospect Road. Helmets are required. Check www.knoxvillecycling.com or call 382-6061 for more information.
June 22 Mead's Quarry, 6:30 pm Pre-registration is encouraged, 541-4500.
Paddling with River Sports Sponsored by River Sports Outfitters
Paddle trips perfect for novice paddlers or those wanting to discover new areas to get on the water. Boats can be provided, but bring your own snacks, water, and sunscreen. Children 6 and over are welcome, but each child must be accompanied by an adult. All trips begin at 6 pm, weather permitting. Call 523-0066 for information. Pre-registration is necessary to plan for the proper number of boats, 541-4500 or www.legacyparks.org.
May 25 – Governor Ned McWherter/Riverside Landing, 6 pm
June 1 – The Cove at Concord Park, 6 pm
June 15 – Governor Ned McWherter/Riverside Landing, 6 pm
Bike Riding with Mast General Store Sponsored by Mast General Store
Morning bike rides in community parks through the month of June. The rides are for recreational riders, high school age and up. Riders should provide their own bike and must wear a helmet. All rides will begin at 8 am, from the parking lot of the following parks. For more information, please call 546-1336. Pre-registration is encouraged, 541-4500.
June 12 – House Mountain, 8 am
June 19 – Holston Hills Park, 8 am
June 26 – South Knoxville, meet at the Sunsphere in World's Fair Park, 8 am
Hiking with Missy Kane Sponsored by Thompson Cancer Survival Center
Missy Kane will lead a series of hikes titled Run From the Sun during the month of June. Each hike will begin with warm-ups and health tips, and hikers will receive sunscreen and visors provided by Thompson Cancer Survival Center. Children 6-16 are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking on paved and natural surfaces. These hikes will take place rain or shine. Pre-registration is encouraged, 541-4500.
June 2 – Georgia Marble, 9 am
June 9 – Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge, 9 am
June 16 – House Mountain, 9 am
June 20 – I C King Park, 5 pm
June 23 – River Bluff Trail, 9 am
June 30 – Hastie Park, 9 am
GetOut! Schedule of Events
June 1 – Paddle trip with River Sports, The Cove at Concord Park, 6 pm
June 2 – Run from the Sun hike with Missy Kane, Georgia Marble, 9 am
June 9 – Run from the Sun hike with Missy Kane, Seven Islands, 9 am
June 12 – Bike Ride with Jim Richards, House Mountain, 8 am
June 15 – Paddle trip with River Sports, Ned McWhirter/Riverside Landing Park, 6 pm
June 16 – Run from the Sun hike with Missy Kane, House Mountain, 9 am
June 19 – Bike Ride with Jim Richards, Holston Hills Park, 8 am
June 20 – Run from the Sun hike with Missy Kane, I.C.King Park, 5 pm – Bring your father!
June 22 – Mountain Bike Ride at Mead's Quarry with AMBC, 6:30 pm
June 23 – Run from the Sun hike with Missy Kane, River Bluff Trail, 9 am
June 26 – Bike Ride with Jim Richards, South Knoxville, 8 am
June 30 – Run from the Sun hike with Missy Kane, Hastie Park, 9 am
The Get Out! Series is sponsored by Thompson Cancer Survival Center, River Sports Outfitters, Appalachian Mountain Bike Club, Knox County Parks and Recreation, City of Knoxville Department of Recreation and Mast General Store.
Greenway Ranger to Help Improve Waterfront Experience
Legacy Parks Foundation teams up with the City of Knoxville, Knoxville Track Club and Knoxville's Central Business Improvement District to beautify and improve the overall experience along Knoxville's Waterfront Greenway. With funding from Legacy Parks Foundation and the CBID, the city has hired a part-time Americorp staffer for a 10-month term as Greenway Ranger. The Knoxville Track Club, through proceeds from the Knoxville Marathon, purchased a trail vehicle for the ranger to use while patrolling the greenway from Ned McWhorter Park to the Earthfare in Bearden. The ranger's duties include providing advice and directions to visitors, making landscape improvements, clearing the pathway of fallen limbs and debris, and working with businesses and groups to adopt segments of the greenway for beatification. This is a pilot program that could lead to additional rangers throughout the city and county greenways.