Under a large tent on the newly acquired Wood property in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, nearly 700 business and civic leaders and outdoor recreation supporters came together at last week’s annual Legacy Luncheon for the Parks. Senator Bob Corker spoke about the importance of recreation opportunities and quality of life to a community.
Presented by Pilot Flying J and sponsored by South East Bank, Texas Instruments, and Robin Easter Design, the fundraiser celebrates the accomplishments of Legacy Parks and its partner organizations in establishing East Tennessee as a recreation destination. “I don’t know of a place that has more opportunity in that regard than East Tennessee,” said Corker.
Thanks to presenting sponsor Pilot Flying J, sponsors South East Bank, Texas Instruments, Robin Easter Design, and Table Sponsors.
There’s a New Ride In Town! 11.25.14 9:25
Knoxville is known as a “Bicycle Friendly Community,” and a new program makes rental bikes available at multiple locations downtown to take advantage of that friendliness in the city center. Legacy Parks Foundation, Regions Bank, Billy Lush Board Shop, and Visit Knoxville have partnered to provide Get Out & Play! bike rentals at the Outdoor Adventure Center and the Knoxville Visitors Center.
“Legacy Parks is really excited to offer this new rental program. We have such a bikable city, and these two locations provide access to greenways, parks, the river, UT, and many points of interest in the downtown core. It is a great collaboration,” said Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation.
Regions Bank donated eight of their signature green bikes for the Get Out & Play! program. Four will be stationed at the Outdoor Adventure Center (900 Volunteer Landing Lane) and four at the Visitors Center (301 S. Gay Street). Rentals are managed online at the Billy Lush Board Sho website or on site at the Outdoor Adventure Center and the Visitors Center.
“Regions is proud to partner with Legacy Parks, Visit Knoxville, and Billy Lush Board Shop on such an enjoyable and beneficial program for our community. Now the citizens of Knoxville and visitors to Knoxville can tour our beautiful city by bike and see what makes Knoxville so special,” added Kevin Crateau, Regions Bank Marketing Director.
A new map created for the program outlines three distinct routes in the downtown area and highlights interesting locations along the way. “Our greenways link so many beautiful parts of our city and this bike program will provide our visitors with a fun, affordable way to experience them. We are thrilled to be a partner on this project and look forward to expanding it in the coming months,” said Visit Knoxville president Kim Bumpas.
Two-hour bike rentals cost $19 for adults, $15 for teachers and military personnel, and $12 for youth under 17. Friends of Legacy Parks receive a 50% discount. Rentals include the bike with lock, the new map, and for the first 100 renters – a Regions Bank backpack to carry supplies.
For more information or to rent a bike, please call the Billy Lush Board Shop at 865.322.5874,
Downtown businesses that want to provide bike racks should contact jlivengood@cityofknoxville.org or call 865.215.6100. Any location that would like to encourage riders to visit may contact Legacy Parks for a Get Out & Play! sticker.
