Join us for the 2026 Legacy Luncheon for the Parks!

September 25, 2026 | 11:30-1:00pm

Johnson University

The annual Legacy Luncheon for the Parks celebrates the work of Legacy Parks Foundation to preserve open space, expand parks, and improve the overall quality of life and economic vitality of our community. The event draws 1,000 business and civic leaders to a spectacular and unique outdoor location for a picnic-style luncheon with compelling speaker: Conor Knighton.

A correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning, America’s top-rated Sunday news program, Conor Knighton is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park.

The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at his yearlong journey through every U.S. national park, weaving together lesser-known stories from the parks’ history with thoughtful reflections on their future and preservation.

Conor Knighton

For a sneak peek at Knighton’s adventures, enjoy the clip below.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Legacy Luncheon for the Parks sponsors receive reserved seating, a listing or logo recognition on this webpage, plus additional benefits for each level of sponsorship. 

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you under the big tent!

$5,000
Platinum Sponsor

$2,500
Gold Sponsor

$1,500
Table Sponsor

  • Two reserved tables for 10 guests each
  • Invitation for four guests at a limited-attendance reception with our guest speaker attending
  • Logo and/or name recognition on all media and marketing materials
  • Recognition year-round on legacyparks.org and in our monthly newsletter
  • Tax-deductible benefits associated with your contribution
  • One reserved table for 10 guests
  • Invitation for two guests at a limited-attendance reception with our guest speaker attending
  • Logo and/or name recognition on all media and marketing materials
  • Recognition year-round on legacyparks.org and in our monthly newsletter
  • Tax-deductible benefits associated with your contribution
  • One reserved table for 10 guests
  • Tax-deductible benefits associated with your contribution

Individual seats are also available to purchase by clicking the button below.

Thanks to our Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

BoardSafe+Hive

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Table Sponsors

Cathy Ackermann / Partners Development

Analysis and Measurement Services Corporation

Avison Young

Axle Logistics 

Bass, Berry & Sims PLC

Ken Bell

Gena Bozeman

John Burkhart & Laura Powers

BurWil

City of Knoxville Parks & Recreation

Conservation Fisheries

Cope Architecture

Denark Construction

Dogwood Arts

Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital

Earthadelic

East Tennessee Community Design Center

EOS Worldwide

FirstBank

First Century Bank

Foothills Land Conservancy

Anna & Tom Ford

Friends of Seven Islands State Birding Park

Kim & Greg Gheen

Grayson Auto

Mike Hammond

Harper Auto Square

Reid Hartsell & Friends

Hillcrest Healthcare Communities

Hines & Company

Carol & Tom Hudson

Humana

Lisa & Kirk Icuss

Adrian & Larsen Jay

Kramer Rayson

Knoxville Chamber

Knoxville Garden Club

Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union

LawlerWood

LBMC / Lawn Butler

Long, Ragsdale & Waters, PC

Lose Design

Marret & Company

Martin & Co.

Sandy & David Martin

Janet & Bill Mason

Carol Merchant/Friends of John Thomas

Missy Kane Fit&Fun

Moul Family Foundation 

Jeremy Nelson & Friends

Mike Parish & Susan Kincaid

Carol & Don Parnell

Pinnacle Financial Partners

Siddiqi Foundation

Will Skelton & Friends

SRW & Associates / Merit Construction

Stewart Smith & Friends

Strong Stock Farm

Terracon

Truist

UPA

UT Federal Credit Union

Nancy Vala

Visit Knoxville

Zoo Knoxville