Legacy Parks Foundation marked its 20th anniversary a today to a sold-out crowd of more than 1,000 guests at the Foundation’s annual Legacy Luncheon for the Parks.
Over the past two decades, Legacy Parks has partnered with public and private organizations to preserve natural spaces, create parks and trails, and expand outdoor recreation. From the creation of the Urban Wilderness — Knoxville’s nationally recognized 1,000-acre outdoor adventure destination — to the establishment of the region’s first intergenerational playspace and first adaptive trails, the Foundation has championed projects that make the outdoors welcoming for all.
Among its many accomplishments, Legacy Parks has:
- Created 19 new parks across Knox County, expanding access to green space and recreation for neighborhoods throughout the community
- Raised $21 million for parks, trails and access by leveraging private donations, grants, and partnerships
- Added the first adaptive docks and trails in the region, creating access to recreation for those with disabilities
- Preserved two islands and over 1,000 acres in Knox County, protecting forests, farmland, ridges, and riverfronts for generations to come
- Developed the French Broad Veterans Memorial Park, honoring service members with a lasting, living memorial
- Reimagined donated land into new outdoor spaces, including the Fountain City Skatepark, Angora Frog Farm, Collier Preserve, Baker Creek Preserve and the Veterans Memorial Park
“These are more than projects — they are gifts to us and to our community,” said Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation. “Each park and trail project reflects the shared vision of a community that values its natural beauty and believes in creating spaces where everyone has a place in our outdoors.”
The luncheon not only honored the Foundation’s history but also looked ahead to the future. Legacy Parks remains committed to community-driven projects that expand outdoor access, preserve landscapes, and enhance quality of life throughout East Tennessee.
Evans also announced a 25-acre donation of land in north Knoxville to be announced later this fall. As well as a recently awarded grant from the Siddiqi Foundation to create a safe walking path for middle school students.
In celebration of Legacy Parks’ work, keynote speaker, Diana Nyad, shared her inspiring life story of perseverance in becoming the first person to complete the 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida.
This year’s luncheon was sponsored by: Gold Sponsors: BoardSafe/Hive Paddlesports, BVI, Massey Electric, Nyrstar, TVA, Platinum Sponsors: Bacon and Company, Barber McMurry architects, D.R. Horton, Earthadelic, Fairway Home/The Mortgage Gallery, Gulf & Ohio Railways, Hickory Construction, Home Federal Bank, KaTom Restaurant Supply, Kern’s Food Hall, Kersey Laser Spa, LHP Capital, Planet H2O, PYA, Realty Trust Group, Robin Easter Design, Ross/Fowler, RSI, SmartBank, Tennessee RiverLine, The Moul Family Fund, The Trust Company of Tennessee, Vick Dyer Alliance Sotheby’s International Realty, along with many table sponsors listed on LegacyParks.org.
