DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE - Knoxville Chamber of Commerce

O U T D O O R
A D V E N T U R E
Park Life
N at u r a l A r e a s at t r a c t V i s i t o r s
Knox County Parks and Recreation
department manages 43 parks spread
across more than 2,500 acres, all
of which welcome an estimated two
million-plus visitors annually.
“I think people stay or move to Knoxville
because of our moderate climate and the natural
beauty of the area,” says Doug Bataille, senior director
of the department. “The foothills and mountains
are stunning every season. We are also a very fastgrowing
area and there is increasing concern about
keeping our natural beauty intact, which makes our
park system all the more important.”
“The vision for the park system is to create a
common ground of the community, a place where
everyone is welcome,” according to Bataille. “To
this end we try to provide a wide array of recreation
opportunities. Of course, we have the typical
complement of sports and picnic areas. Recently, we
have seen expansion into natural areas, dog parks
and skate parks. Our greenway system of trails is one
of the most popular facilities we provide.”
The greenways are especially well liked because
visitors can walk, run, bicycle, inline skate and
skateboard along paved paths that meander through
breathtaking scenery.
The department also hosts approximately 800
teams in 50 programs throughout its 15 athletic
facilities. Adult and youth leagues are available for
softball, baseball, basketball, football and soccer.
For a little less regimented fun, residents can enjoy
everything from boating, rugby, disc golf and sailing
to golf, tennis, volleyball and mountain biking in
every sector of Knox County. ■
Knoxville Chamber