Advancements for conservation and park projects were announced today to a sold-out crowd of more than 1,000 guests at Legacy Parks Foundation’s annual Legacy Luncheon for the Parks.
Furthering Legacy Parks’ efforts to expand recreational opportunities and preserve land for future generations, Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation, announced two significant land donations that will become new Knox County parks. Both properties were donated by private individuals that want to leave a lasting legacy by transforming their land into shared community spaces.
“These are the kinds of projects that remind us what can happen when people are willing to invest in the future of our community,” Evans said. “From preserving land to creating new places to play, we’re grateful for the individuals, families and partners who continue to make these opportunities possible.”
Other Legacy Parks project highlights included:
- Completion of the Sue Clancy Greenway – a missing trail connection pursued for more than 40 years.
- Expansion of Seven Islands State Birding Park, with work underway to connect the park on both sides of the river, making the state park now easily accessible from our entire county. Legacy Parks acquired two islands last year, expanding the park by 90 acres, and secured a $7.4 million grant to connect the islands to the park with a new pedestrian bridge.
- A new $14 million, privately funded playground is coming to Steele Creek Park in Bristol, TN, creating an exceptional destination for families and children. Construction on Catie’s Playground is set to begin spring 2027.
Evans also announced significant advancements along the SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk – the 3-mile rail trail from Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center and featuring a 1.5-mile art walk. Art installations are being added rapidly over the next few weeks, bringing vibrant colors and creativity to the corridor. The first larger-than-life mural was completed at Kern’s Food Hall earlier this month, with another starting in just a few days.
In celebration of Legacy Parks’ work, keynote speaker, Conor Knighton, shared stories from his adventures visiting all of America’s national parks in one year. Knighton offered the audience lesser-known stories from the parks’ history, along with thoughtful reflections on their future and the importance of preserving these special places for generations to come.
To date, Legacy Parks has:
- Created 19 new parks added over 800 acres of parkland across Knox County, expanding access to green space and recreation for neighborhoods throughout the community.
- Raised $32 million for parks, trails and access by leveraging private donations, grants, and partnerships to make projects possible.
- Added eight adaptive docks on our waterways, creating new opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy water-based recreation.
- Created the first adaptive trails in region with more opportunities coming soon through an established adaptive wheelchair lending program being established at Ijams Nature Center.
- Preserved two islands and over 1,000 acres in Knox County, protecting forests, farmland, ridges, and riverfronts for generations to come.
- Added over 65 miles of trails throughout Knox County, expanding opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors.