Legacy Parks Foundation announced today that they will host their annual Legacy Luncheon for the Parks on Friday, October 8th at 11:30am along the beautiful Tennessee River at UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm. Guest speakers Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray will share their incredible story of friendship, hope, faith, and community discovered on their 500-mile trek in Spain on the Camino de Santiago trail –500 miles, two best friends and one wheelchair. Luncheon guests will hear the firsthand stories from their best-selling book and award-winning documentary “I’ll Push You”. Legacy Parks continues its streak of bringing national speakers to the luncheon including David McClain, Pete McBride, Cheryl Strayed, Alexandra Cousteau, Rick Ridgeway, Peter Hillary, Howard Baker, Pat Summitt, Erik Weihenmayer, Governor Haslam, and more. 1,000 civic, business, and community leaders have attended the Legacy Luncheon for the Parks the last three years, selling out each event. This year’s [...]

Legacy Parks Foundation was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Siddiqi Foundation  to fund the purchase of two new adaptive wheelchairs. In 2020, Legacy Parks constructed the region's first adaptive trail at Sharp's Ridge and purchased five adaptive bikes. Creating adaptive access for those with mobility disabilities is a priority - we believe everyone should be able to experience the benefits of being in nature and enjoy recreational opportunities in the woods! The handcycle bikes that will be purchased with this grant allow individuals with higher level injuries - who do not have grip strength to hold onto a crank or squeeze a brake - to access these functions with whatever use of their arms that they do have. The height of this bike compared to others, makes transfers from a power chair much easier and safer.  They also feature electric assist which allows the user to propel the bike forward on their own merit and [...]

For the eighth year in a row, REI is showing its support for Knoxville's outdoors through a $6,600 grant to Legacy Parks Foundation. The grant will be used to create Knoxville's next adaptive trail, to further achieve Legacy Parks' larger mission to creative adaptive trails in each quadrant of the county. “We are thrilled that REI continues to partner with us,” said Legacy Parks Executive Director Carol Evans. “Their lasting partnership allows us to continue expanding and enhancing our beautiful forested areas, great places for our community to enjoy.” REI began contributing to Knoxville's outdoor spaces in 2014, and has given significant support since, including funding for a bridge, a kid’s trail, and a junior pump track skills feature, water stations, trails connections, and now helping create adaptive access so those with disabilities can enjoy playing in the woods.

Legacy Parks and the history of Seven Islands State Birding Park featured in Tennessee Conservationist Magazine