Halls residents have a chance to talk about connecting local greenways today as Knox County officials hold the third of four public meetings – this one from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Halls Elementary School gymnasium. See earlier story here.

The county has contracted with Nashville-based landscape architectural firm Gresham Smith to study four greenway corridors. One is along Beaver Creek from Gibbs to Melton Hill Lake.

At the Karns meeting last week, the map for Halls did not show connectivity under Maynardville Pike along the creek. This connection is necessary to link the Halls library, community park and senior center (on the east side) to Clayton Park and the Halls schools on the west side. The map did show alternate routes – one essentially a sidewalk along Emory Road; the other a more natural trail along Beaver Creek.

A good turnout tonight would let planners know of community interest. When Mayor Glenn Jacobs replaced Parks & Rec senior director Doug Bataille with a banker, Paul White, we lost years of planning and promises. Tonight is our chance to start anew.

See you there!

(If you miss tonight, there’s one more chance to see the maps. The fourth meeting will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Bonny Kate Elementary School.)