Legacy Parks Foundation cut the ribbon to open Collier Preserve, a 12-acre park located in Powell. The project was funded by a grant from the State of Tennessee Recreational Trails Program.
The new park is located on land that was donated to the Foundation in 2016 by Dr. Bob and Louise Collier of Powell. Features include an ADA walkway, nature path, native plants garden, birding platform, a kayak rest stop on Beaver Creek and a tranquil natural setting for observing wildlife.
“We are thrilled to add another great place for the community to be outside and enjoy the many benefits of spending time in nature and playing in the woods,” said Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.
The property has been in the Collier family for many generations, serving as the homestead and farm for Dr. Collier’s grandmother, Stella B. Moore, and ancestors before her. Dr. Collier wished to honor the history of his family’s land by preserving it forever and in 2016, donated the land to Legacy Parks and placed a conservation easement on the property, requiring it to stay in a natural state as a refuge in perpetuity regardless of ownership.
Over the past few years, Dr. Collier helped Legacy Parks transform Collier Preserve into a beautiful nature preserve for nature exploration and quiet reflection, an oasis for native trees, wildflowers and other plant life.
“It was important to Dr. Collier to keep as many native plants and trees as possible, in order to maintain the natural character of the property,” explained Evans. “Every element of the park, including the nature trail was designed and constructed to have the least impact on the existing habitats.”
To honor Dr. Collier’s life and vision, Legacy Parks is taking steps to make Collier Preserve a Level 1 Tennessee Certified Arboretum.
Legacy Parks was awarded a grant from the State of Tennessee which funded the planning and construction of the park.
The property on which the park is located will be donated to Knox County by Legacy Parks as a public park.
