Legacy Parks Foundation has received a $150,000 grant from the Trinity Health Foundation to create an Intergenerational Playspace at Beverly Park in northeast Knox County. This is a Phase II grant. Trinity’s two-phase proposal/grant process seeks partners to address posted topics of interest related to the general health and well-being of our region.
With this funding, Legacy Parks is partnering with Humana, Hillcrest Healthcare, TVA Retirees, Knox County’s Parks and Recreation, health departments, and other groups and organizations to coordinate the effort to create the Playspace which will include therapeutic, rehabilitative, nature and play activities for all generations and abilities.
This sketch shows the build-out of the Intergenerational Playspace at Beverly Park.
The Playspace will feature an ellipse shaped central activity area surrounded by a walking track with handrail. Inside the ellipse will be the therapeutic zone and play area featuring equipment for both multi-generational play and physical exercise. The Playspace will overlook the newly added dog park and will connect to the existing paved walking loop. Benches and a walking storybook trail feature will be added to the loop encouraging users to walk the loop to read the story – an ideal intergenerational activity.
The intent of the design is to create a place for rehabilitation and reflection, a place for generations to interact through activity, to stimulate the brain, body and the senses with a variety of physical, visual, audible and cognitive experiences for all generations – and to take full advantage of all the benefits of being outdoors in nature.
Humana has awarded Legacy Parks an additional $20,000 to sponsor the therapeutic zone which will feature rehabilitative physical exercise equipment and activities for low impact, body weight exercises that focus on balance, muscle tone and fall prevention. Hillcrest and other programming partners will be able to utilize the space for rehabilitation exercises with seniors in an outdoor environment.
The TVA Retirees Association (TVARA) and Bicentennial Volunteers will provide benches along the walkway to further their contribution to Legacy Parks Foundation and local parks. To date, TVARA has funded benches at I.C. King Park, Sharp’s Ridge and Collier Preserve.
The entire community will benefit from the activities provided – adults with mobility and physical rehabilitation issues, active adults, families and children will all enjoy the recreational experiences in this beautiful public space.
We are honored to receive another grant from Trinity Health Foundation to create this place that is purposefully designed to create active interaction between multiple generations, especially children and seniors.
This week
Saturday, October 29
Fall Tree Walk: 10 a.m., Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum. Cost $5 for non-members. Info: Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum at 865-862-8717. Join board member Dan Steinhoff on a guided tour of KBGA’s unique & historic tree collection. Register online.
Kids Costume Climb: 10 a.m. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Kiddos can wear their costume and climb for free from 10 a.m. to noon. Register online so we know how many treat bags to prepare.
Sunday, October 30
Fall Color Hike: 2 p.m., Cove Lake State Park. Cost $3. Info: Cove Lake State Park at 423-566-9701. Join Ranger Jordan to hike the 1.5-mile Volunteer Loop and view some fall colors. Meet at the Cumberland Trail Trailhead located on Bruce Gap Road. Register online.
Down the road
Wednesday, November 2
Wednesday Rides: 5:30 p.m., Echelon Bikes. Free. Info: Smokey’s Mobile Bicycle Repair at 865-585-3775. Divide into groups: Killer B’s beginner group, average 14-16 mph; B group average 16-17 mph; A group average 17-18 mph; A+ group average 18-19 mph. Cancellations and updates on Facebook.
KTC Group Run: 6 p.m., Runners Market. Free. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Wednesday evening social pace group run. All paces welcome. Distance options vary. Please abide by social distancing guidelines.
KTOS Monthly Meeting: 6:45 p.m., UT College of Veterinary Medicine room 124. Free. Info: Knoxville Chapter TN Ornithological Society. Meetings held first Wednesday of the month. All visitors welcome.
Thursday, November 3
Fix-a-Flat: 6 p.m., Two Bikes Knoxville. Free. Info: Two Bikes at 865-951-2950. Class will walk you through the steps, show you all the hacks and equip you with the right tools you’ll need to confidently repair (almost) any flat tire. Details online.
Friday-Sunday, November 4-6
AMBC Fall Festival – Nov 4-6: 9-12 p.m., Baker Creek Preserve. Free. Info: Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. The 13th annual AMBC Fall Fest will open Friday evening and won’t slow till we pack it all up on Sunday afternoon. Guided rides, clinics, vendors and more. Free. Details online.
Visit us online at OutdoorKnoxville.com Add your event to our calendar: Submit an Event at https://outdoorknoxville.com/events-calendar/submit-an-event/
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.
