Knox County Tennessee

Farmers Market

Knox County Parks & Recreation will present a Farmers Market at New Harvest Park on Thursday afternoons, 4 – 7 pm, May 22 through November 20. The Grand Opening celebration on May 22 will feature the band Misty River. Reusable shopping bags, with the market logo, will be given away to all who attend the Farmers Market that day.

The market is funded in part by a grant from the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Fresh, local products will include fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, herbs and artisan foods. The Farmers Market
provides a chance for consumers to buy directly from
the producers of these products.

Grand Opening information and directions (CLICK HERE)

Get Outdoors Festival

It’s Almost Time to Get Outdoors!

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
When: Saturday, May 17, 2008
Where: World's Fair Park
For more details contact Ellen Blasius at 215-6607

The Get Outdoors Festival will be the premiere event in the region for outdoor enthusiasts, competitive and recreational athletes, and families who just want to discover new ways to get fit and have fun!  East Tennessee’s abundant natural resources and parkland offer many opportunities for physical exercise and outdoor activities. We hope to lead the effort to encourage individuals in our community to increase their activity levels and embrace a healthy lifestyle...

Park Vols

Knox County Parks and Recreation has a variety of volunteer opportunities available for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate in the maintenance and protection of our parklands...

Park Vols Application
If you are interested in volunteering with Knox County Parks and Recreation, please click here and complete the application.

Current Park Vols
The Park Inspection form is now available on line. Please click here to submit a form.

Knoxville-Knox County Comprehensive Park, Recreation
and Greenways Plan

The final draft of the Knoxville-Knox County Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Greenways Plan is now available for public review and comment. You may access the plan at www.knoxmpc.org.

Knoxville Skatepark Ready to Roll!

Knox County Parks and Recreation would like to thank the sponsors of the Holiday Festival of Lights.

Over 9,000 visitors attended the event, generating 2,400 pounds of food for Second Harvest Food Bank, and $2,600 for the Legacy Parks Foundation.

Ola Cole, on the left, is presented with the Tennessee Recreation Parks Association (TRPA) Lifetime Member Award from TRPA President Lisa Clayton on Tuesday, November 13th, 2007, during the 56th Annual Tennessee Recreation Parks Association conference opening ceremonies in Pigeon Forge.

The Lifetime Member Award honors and recognizes individuals who have made numerous and/or significant long-term contributions within the parks and recreation profession. To be awarded you must be retired from the profession (not working in parks and recreation in any way). Should have served the profession for at least twenty years and held current TRPA membership for at least ten years.
Ola was employed by Knox County Parks & Recreation department for 32 years. During her time with the County, Ola managed & worked with 100's of volunteers, created & implemented numerous programs and spent countless hours planning & orchestrating special events for all of Knoxvillian's to enjoy.
I recently spoke to Ola and she said, " I do miss everyone but I love being retired."
We wish Ola all the best in her retirement and she will surely be missed.

Thursday, October 25th, The Mayor along with three Knox County Commissioners, several key members of the Community and members of the New Harvest Taskforce committee , celebrated the opening of the 43 acre New Harvest Park. The Park includes a 2000 square foot community building, a large picnic pavilion/amphitheater, splash pad, playground, restrooms and a quarter-mile walking trail.

Members present are from left to right, Parks & Recreation Senior Director Doug Bataille, Commissioner Larry Smith, Taskforce leader Harold Denton, Mayor Ragsdale, Contractor Trey Benefield, Parks Advisory Board member Felicia Hoehne, Taskforce leader Lisa Starbuck, Community Representative Gene Mathis, Commissioner Phil Ballard, Commissioner Tony Norman, Parks Advisory Board member Steve Hunley, Jack Huddleston and PBA Project Manager Dan Martin and daughter.

October 15, 2007, ribbon cutting ceremony listed from left to right: City Councilman Joe Bailey, City of Knoxville Parks & Recreation Deputy Director Joe Walsh, Carolyn Fiser, Mayor Ragsdale, David Fiser, Knox County Parks Senior Director Doug Bataille, Executive Director Legacy Parks Foundation Carol Evans.

October 8, 2007, groundbreaking ceremony listed from left to right: Parks Senior Director Doug Bataille, Russ Wise, Merit Construction Bruce Bosse, Tommy Whitehead, Troy Beeler, Commissioner Tony Norman, Commissioner Jack Huddleston, Mayor Ragsdale, Tommy Schumpert, Commissioner Phil Ballard, Advisory Parks Board Chair Laura Boring, Advisory Parks Board member Cindy Spangler, PetSafe Steve Baker, Barge Waggoner Architects Steve Fritts.

Mayor Ragsdale, other officials and close friends joined together to dedicate the Carl Cowan Memorial, Monday October 2nd.  Carl Cowan was a man devoted to the community and his life’s work and dreams were honored today. 

Click here for more information about Carl Cowan

Click here for more information about Carl Cowan Park

The First Tee of Knoxville announced the grand opening of the new clubhouse at Concord Park Par 3 Golf Course located at 10901 South Northshore Drive, in West Knoxville, Monday, August 6th .

“The clubhouse replaces what had been the original concessions building built in 1953 in Concord Park,” said Doug Bataille, Senior Director of Knox County Parks & Recreation.  It became the golf clubhouse in 1974 when the Par 3 golf course was built.”  Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale led the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The mission of The First Tee® is: “ To impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.”  In 2006, over 15,000 youth played the Beverly Park and Concord Park junior golf courses and over 700 youth participated in golf camps, golf clinics, tournaments and after school programs. “ The new improvements at Concord Park Par 3 will help The First Tee of Knoxville achieve its goal of reaching more youth in our community and surrounding areas.  The game of golf teaches so many life lessons and Knox County is fortunate to have such a great facility where kids can learn to play golf” said Executive Director, Sam Newgent.  In addition to the new clubhouse, other enhancements include new and improved tee boxes, re-routing of several holes, landscaping and a new putting green.

The course is open to the public and a 9-hole round only costs $6.00 (Adults) & $5.00 (Youth).    Concord Park Par 3 Golf Course -- 966-9103, Keith McElroy, Golf Pro.

United States Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale unveiled improvements to House Mountain State Natural Area July 9th. The park is located at 9601 Hogskin Road, Corryton, Tennessee 37721.

The improvements were accomplished thanks to efforts of Congressman Duncan that resulted in a $253,491 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant was administered by Knox County in conjunction with the State of Tennessee Natural Areas Program.

Improvements to the park include a new picnic shelter, restroom, information kiosk and parking area.

QUOTE FROM JIMMY DUNCAN

"Even while Congressman Duncan is dealing with issues of critical national importance, he makes time to deal with local issues that make a difference in the lives of his constituents," Mayor Ragsdale said. "I am grateful for his continuing leadership and for helping make possible these enhancements to House Mountain."

House Mountain includes 525 acres and is the highest point in Knox County. Over four miles of trails climb the 1,000 foot rise and provide views into the Blue Ridge and Cumberland Mountains 40 to 50 miles away. Only 10 miles from Knoxville, House Mountain's peaceful and rugged attributes provide a unique opportunity for strenuous and secluded outdoor recreation close to a metropolitan area.

House Mountain State Natural Area was purchased by the State of Tennessee in 1987. Knox County Parks and Recreation Department manages the area through a cooperative agreement with the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Tennessee River Quilt Trail, Knox County, TN
"Lawyer's Puzzle" Quilt Block in honor of Carl A. Cowan (1902-1985)
"Extended the Borders of Freedom in Which We Live"

Attorney, volunteer, community activist, Carl Cowan was known as a pioneer for his efforts in encouraging church, civic and professional groups to join together to peacefully integrate Knox County. Carl Cowan was successful in initiating new services for minority Knox County citizens including this park, which is named in his honor.

Carl Cowan Park was dedicated in 1949 as the only park for African Americans in Knox County. A swimming pool was built in 1959, renovated in 1981, and then demolished in 2004 to make room for the county's first splash pad, which serves hundreds of children of all races every day. There have been numerous improvements over the years, including tennis courts and replacing the old boat launch and pier, thus making Carl Cowan Park one of the most popular recreation attractions in the area. More

The memorial is dedicated by Knox County, the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Inc., African American Appalachian Arts, Inc., and the Black Business Contractors Association, Inc.

Click here for more information about Carl Cowan

Click here for more information about Carl Cowan Park

December 18th turned out to be a beautiful day to break ground on the construction of the newest park in Knox County's system. Located next to Target off I640 on the former "Farmer’s Market" site, the celebration included elected officials led by Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, county commissioners, members of the task force who helped plan the park, the designers from Benefield Richter, park and PBA officials as well as enthusiastic community members who look forward to enjoying the many features of this multiuse park facility.
Click here for master plan of the New Harvest Park.
Posted: December 21, 2006

Mayor Mike Ragsdale and distinguished guests met yesterday to dedicate and honor a great man and a great community leader, Howard Pinkston. The greenway trailhead which is shown in the photo above, was named the Howard Pinkston Greenway because of Howard's caring efforts, dedication and his community leadership. He was completely devoted to South Knoxville and he would be proud of this greenway, which can only add to the quality of life in South Knoxville. The trail runs for one-half mile starting at the entrance of French Memorial Park, runs along Martin Mill Pike and continues to the front of Bonnie Kate Elementary School. If you have questions concerning any of our other trails or parks, please contact our Parks department at 215-6600.

On July 25, 2006, Mayor Mike Ragsdale and the Caring Kids of Spring Place honor Ms. Felicia H. Hoehne with the presentation of a park bench in her name. For her dedication and all her efforts in revitalizing the Spring Place Park.

The PARK VOLS program was designed to recruit volunteers’ who are already utilizing our local parks. They are asked to visit a park two to three times per week. PARK VOLS are the eyes and ears in our parks. They assist in events, park clean-ups, ideas for improvements and reporting problems. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Ellen Blasius at 215.6607.

Come visit Knox County's newest park, Powell Station Park, located at 2318 W. Emory Road, right beside Powell High School. Bring the little ones and enjoy a day of fun in the sun at the splash pad. The picnic pavilion has (3) 8-foot tables, one of which is handicap accessible. The picnic pavilion will seat 15-25 people and is currently available on a first come, first serve basis and restrooms are adjacent. The 1/10 walking trail is adjacent to the Powell Greenway trail which extends for another 1.5 miles, and park benches are positioned along the walking trail, splash pad and the playground area. Splash pad hours of operation: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Spring thur Fall, weather permitting.
Posted: June 28, 2006

Thanks to the many efforts within our Knox County system, we are now able to offer to the citizens of Knox County and others, the ability to make on-line shelter reservations that will allow you to pay with your credit card.   The process is easy.  Simply click on the Park Shelter Reservations button, select the park you wish to reserve, select the date needed, read & accept the park rules as they appear on the screen, once you accept, then a screen will pop up and then just fill in the blanks required.  You will also be able to print off a confirmation for your records.  If you would like to view the shelters first before making a reservation click on the Park Shelters button. If you have further questions you can contact our office during office hours of 8:00 am – 4:30 pm at 215.6600.
Posted: October 3, 2005

Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale announced today the availability of free maps that display virtually every park, greenway and recreation facility in the Knoxville area...[more] Click here for the Knox County Parks Map
Posted: July 12, 2005.