The Mayors' Luncheon for the Parks, on October 8, promises to be our most adventurous event yet! Peter Hillary, famed son of Sir Edmond Hillary will be the keynote speaker for our luncheon by the Quarry Lake in Fort Dickerson. Like his father, who made the first ascent of Mt Everest in 1953, Peter Hillary has summited Everest and reached the South Pole on skis, forging a new route across Antarctica. He links his own challenges to the achievement of goals for any individual, and focuses on the importance of preparation, perseverance, teamwork, caution, and good judgment – as well as enjoying the journey.

 

And the site, which has not been opened to the public yet, will be as enthralling as the speaker!  Lunch will be served alongside the beautiful Quarry Lake in Fort Dickerson.  This beautiful water feature in South Knoxville is visible from the overlook at Fort Dickerson, but has not been opened to the public yet.  Thanks to the efforts of the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department, luncheon attendees will be able to experience the tranquility and beauty lakeside and see firsthand the potential contained in the property. 

 

Hosted by the Mayors of both Knoxville and Knox County, the event celebrates the importance of parks and greenspace to the overall quality of life and economic vitality of communities. More than 500 business and civic leaders annually attend this key fundraising event for Legacy Parks Foundation.  We are grateful for the support and sponsorship of PetSafe for underwriting the event this year.

 

Reserved tables for ten guests are $1,000 and individual tickets are $100.

 

Reservations can be made by calling 865.525.2585 or online at www.legacyparks.org.

The Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission presented its 29th Annual Excellence Awards on August 26 to recognize developers, designers and neighborhood activists who have made our community a better place to live. The 2010 awards were announced at the Knoxville Convention Center, following a dinner and guest speaker Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation.

 

Legacy Parks Foundation was honored to receive the Excellence Award for Environmental Sustainability for the Urban Wilderness and Historic Corridor project.

The Environmental Sustainability award recognized Legacy Parks Foundation for the creation of the Urban Wilderness and Historic Corridor, which encompasses 1,000 acres paralleling the South Knoxville Waterfront Development that contain three Civil War forts, historic settlement sites, diverse ecological features, and recreational activities. In addition to preserving these historic resources, it conserves sensitive ridgetop and forested land.

 

The award was presented to Legacy Parks Foundation, but it is your support, and the support of numerous forward-looking citizens and businesses, that allowed Legacy Parks to preserve this land for our community.  Next time you're on Neyland Drive and notice those beautiful ridges across the river, know that you and others like you have made this project possible.  Thank you for your continued support!  We look forward to continuing this work, leaving East Tennessee--and Knoxville in particular---better than we found it! 

In March, 2010, over 150 people participated in the first Knoxville Urban Wilderness Challenge, putting their skills to the test in a race through some of Knoxville's hidden recreational gems. The response was overwhelmingly positive, so, we're doing it again! It's time to assemble your teams, and mark your calendar for April 23, 2011!

BIG CHANGES

Thought the last challenge was too easy? too hard? This time, you can choose your challenge between two big events!

 

ADVENTURE RACE

This race combines mountain biking, trail running, rope work, paddling, orienteering, swimming, and a few surprises, through a technically adventuresome course! Racers will provide all their own gear. The Adventure Race course should take between 6-12 hours to complete!

CITIZENS' RACE

 

This race combines mountain biking, trail running, paddling, and a few surprises, on an exciting-while less technical-course through undiscovered trails, forests, and waterways! Racers will provide their own gear (excluding boats). The Citizen’s Race should take between 2-4 hours to complete.

Like last year, the courses are secret! At least one person on your team will need to know how to read and follow topographical maps.

Registration information is available at Active.com and at the Legacy Parks website.

1% for the Planet is a growing, global movement of companies that donate 1% of their sales to a network of environmental non-profits worldwide, including Legacy Parks Foundation. 

 

We are very grateful to Patagonia for choosing us as a recipient for their Advocacy Days!  For each Patagonia shoe sold at River Sports Outfitters between October 14 and October 28, $10 will be donated to Legacy Parks.