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On February 18, Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, with the help of community representatives, turned the first shovelful of dirt on the property that will become the Burlington neighborhood park. The park, which is adjacent to the Burlington branch library, has been in the planning stage for several months, and will open later this spring.
With community input, the park was designed as a passive space, with places to sit under shady trees, paved paths, and a small children’s play area. Site preparations included the restoration of a stream. Other features include native plantings and an informal amphitheater-style grass seating area.
“It took a cooperative effort between many organizations to bring this park project together,” said Mayor Ragsdale. “We have state, local and neighborhood organizations involved in all aspects of the park, from design to construction,” he added.
The landscape and architectural details were done by Benefield Richters. Knox County’s Engineering and Public Works Department will assist with grading, and the construction will be completed by Parks and Recreation staff. Funding for environmental remediation was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Others involved in the process are the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, SAIC, the City of Knoxville Engineering Department, MPC, PBA, and the University of Tennessee Department of Architecture. Funding assistance from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture will help with the planting of shade trees.
