April EKBPA Meeting Recap

Our April EKBPA meeting took place at Pellissippi State Community College’s Magnolia Avenue Campus. We had a great turnout, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces coming together to support East Knoxville’s growth and community engagement.

Featured Speakers: Sheryl Ely and Aaron Browning

We were honored to host Sheryl Ely and Aaron Browning from the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation. Their presentation focused on the Play Knoxville initiative, which aims to enhance the city’s parks, greenways, and recreational facilities. They shared insights into how Knoxville is investing in outdoor spaces to foster community well-being and provide more recreational opportunities for residents.

Key Highlights:

• Greenway Expansion: The East Crossing Greenway project is moving forward, aiming to create more walkable and bike-friendly pathways that connect neighborhoods and promote a healthier lifestyle.
• Park Improvements: One major highlight was the announcement of a $500,000 grant awarded to Morningside Park for significant playground upgrades, which will include inclusive play structures and enhanced safety features.
• Community Involvement: Sheryl and Aaron emphasized the importance of community input in the master planning process. They encouraged EKBPA members to participate in upcoming public forums and share ideas to ensure recreational spaces reflect the needs of East Knoxville residents.
• Long-Term Vision: They discussed how these projects fit into the broader vision for Knoxville’s parks, focusing on accessibility, environmental sustainability, and community-centric design.

Thank You to Our Hosts

We want to extend a special thank you to Pellissippi State Community College for hosting us at their Magnolia Avenue Campus. The Pellissippi State Catering Team provided a delicious breakfast that fueled our morning discussions and networking.

Looking Ahead

As a community-focused organization, EKBPA values keeping our members informed and involved. We encourage everyone to stay engaged with the City of Knoxville’s ongoing projects by attending public meetings and sharing feedback. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our local parks and recreational areas.

Additional Resources for Members

For those who would like to dive deeper into the presentation, we have uploaded the full slideshow and extra pictures from the meeting in the members-only section below. Be sure to log in and check them out to stay updated on all the details discussed.

Pictures