Legacy Parks has unveiled its Oak Ridge Natural Assets Guidebook, a collaborative project created at the request of the City of Oak Ridge, Roane County and Anderson County civic and business leaders in response to recommendations from the Oak Ridge Blueprint Plan that urged the exploration of both recreational opportunities and enhancement of the area’s natural assets. “The Guidebook is intended to be a living, working document that will serve as a philosophical and practical set of guidelines for how to maximize the area’s natural assets so that they provide a sustainable foundation to engage residents, promote wellness, attract tourism, and increase economic development,” said Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation. Evans explains that while the Guidebook identifies natural assets and related opportunities across the whole of public land within Oak Ridge, including Department of Energy land, it does not consider future uses of that land for [...]

Legacy Parks Foundation has announced its first Natural Shores Easement on Old French Road along the French Broad River. Landowners Cathy Murphy and John Manuel signed the easement this week, agreeing to permanently protect the shoreline of their riverfront property. The Foundation’s Natural Shores Project - a voluntary shoreline protection program – was created to promote and preserve the health and natural beauty of the French Broad River from Seven Islands State Birding Park to the Head of the Tennessee River. The goal is to assure that the French Broad River can be enjoyed by generations to come. The Murphy farm has longstanding Knoxville and family ties. It was originally acquired in 1883 by George Rule, first cousin to former Knoxville mayor William Rule. George and his wife, Maria Monday, raised their nine children in a house situated on the highest point of the farm overlooking the river below. [...]

The Trinity Health Foundation of East Tennessee has awarded Legacy Parks Foundation a $150,000 Phase II grant to develop the Sharp's Ridge Playspace on the 42-acres of land in north Knoxville that was donated to Legacy Parks Foundation in 2017. Plans for the Playspace include a natural playground, bike skills area, a network of trails to connect into the existing Sharp's Ridge trail system and the first all-access trail in our community!  This all-access trail will accommodate users of all types, including those with disabilities. The Playspace will offer access to fun and challenging amenities to increase physical activity for citizens of the neighborhood and the entire community. Located in the woods near Christenberry Heights housing development, the Playspace will introduce a new audience to nature while encouraging physical activity to develop healthy habits. The new trail addition will connect neighborhoods on the north side of the ridge into the [...]

A new Veterans Memorial park will be created thanks to an exciting new partnership with Blue Water Industries. A beautiful parcel of land along the French Broad River will be donated to Legacy Parks to create this place for reflection, commemoration and celebration, overlooking the French Broad River and the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. This park will be designed by veterans organizations with the help of the East Tennessee Community Design Center.