Tag: Outdoor Knoxville

Outdoor KnoxFest: A Weekend Filled With Outdoor Adventure For Everyone

Posted by Erin Freeman – April 10, 2013

KNOXVILLE, TENN.—Outdoor KnoxFest is scheduled for Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21 and offers three days of urban adventure for everyone from an outdoor enthusiast to someone who simply loves to get out and play. Attendees can experience Knoxville from a variety of ways including a bicycle seat, stand up paddle board, canoe, trail, climbing wall, slack line and more.  Teamed with the Dogwood Arts Festival, a nationally renowned, month-long celebration of the natural and cultural beauty of East Tennessee, Outdoor KnoxFest promises to be bigger and better this year!

The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center will serve as the hub of activity for Outdoor KnoxFest.  From guided trail rides, to runs, hikes, paddles and more, the festival will showcase Knoxville’s outdoor offerings with a special spotlight on the Urban Wilderness, a 1,000-acre urban playground only minutes from downtown. Outdoor KnoxFest is produced by Legacy Parks Foundation, a Knoxville-based non-profit actively working to make East Tennessee a premier recreational destination in the Southeast.  To feature a few of Outdoor KnoxFest’s events…

Bikes and pickles don’t necessarily go together, but for the Pickel Road Ride, it’s a wonderful combination! Riders of all levels can saddle up for a 20, 40 or 60-mile option on Saturday. The ride honors Harry Pickel, who graciously treated many a cyclist to cold soft drinks at his H & H Service Mart on Thorngrove Pike, which he operated until his death at age 95. This is a wonderful opportunity for cyclists of all levels to explore the beautiful rolling terrain of East Knoxville.

In addition, the Knoxville Disc Golf Club is offering a clinic on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Morningside Park. Attendees will have the chance to learn the game of disc golf and compete all in one weekend. This fun social game challenges players to throw a disc into a basket with the least amount of throws as possible. Members of the club will be sharing their tips and techniques at the clinic.

Saturday and Sunday will also include a trail ride hosted by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club.  Just three miles from the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center, Saturday’s “Where’s the Trail” ride will head to the Knoxville Urban Wilderness trails for a ride. Sunday’s ride will navigate through the city and neighborhoods to trails along Sharp’s Ridge.

Saturday’s Fly Fishing 101 clinic will teach basic skills and techniques on dry land with no waders needed. 3 Rivers Angler will guide attendees on casting fundamentals and choosing the right gear. The clinic welcomes aspiring first-time fly fishers to seasoned anglers looking to better their techniques. Youngsters will enjoy casting the Velcro fly fish lines to see what they can catch during the Get Out & Play events from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, the family-friendly Saturday Bikes N Blooms rides will show beginner riders how to navigate roads, neighborhoods and greenways while touring the beautiful Dogwood Arts Festival trails. Saturday’s ride will capture the beauty of North Knoxville’s historic neighborhoods while Sunday’s ride will travel south to Ijams Nature Center. Helmets are required and the suggested age for the youngest riders is eight years old.

Local celebrities take to the river as they guide paddlers along the shoreline of the Tennessee River. Paddlers will break into groups to accommodate skill and endurance as they paddle to Riverside Landing, Ijams Nature Center or Forks of the River. Kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards will be provided for both Saturday and Sunday paddles or participants can bring their own.

Finally, guests are invited to attend four clinics offered throughout the weekend. These clinics are geared at teaching participants fundamental skills and improving technique along with providing valuable safety lessons. Clinics include: how to perform bike maintenance tasks and repair work while on the road or trail; how to choose the best gear for fly fishing along with techniques participants can take to the water; getting introduced to the fundamental skills of rock climbing in a safe, supportive and fun environment; and mastering the art of disc throwing.

Outdoor KnoxFest highlights:

  • 24 events with 16 unique events
  • 5 events with fees; 19 events are free
  • T-shirts for all paid participants and volunteers
  • 4 clinics: Bike Maintenance; Fly Fishing; Disc Golf; and Rock Climbing
  • 9 Activities: Road Cycling; Mountain Biking; Hiking; Paddling; Disc Golf; Fly Fishing; Rock Climbing; Trail Running; and Greenway Running
  • Competitive Events for Prizes
  • Get Out & Play: sampling of activities include climbing wall; slack line; paddling; bicycling; kid-friendly games and activities; outdoor yoga; Velcro fly fishing; disc golf

A full list of the weekend’s events is available online here or on the event Facebook page.

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About Outdoor KnoxFest:

Everyone from an outdoor adventure enthusiast to someone who simply loves all that nature has to offer can experience Knoxville from a bicycle seat, paddle board, canoe, trail, climbing wall and more during Outdoor KnoxFest, a three-day signature event of the Dogwood Arts Festival scheduled for Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21, 2013.

The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center at Knoxville’s Volunteer Landing will be the hub for this year’s mix of outdoor recreational venues that encourages people of all ages and levels of experience to participate. From guided trail rides, runs, hikes and paddles, the festival showcases Knoxville’s outdoor amenities with a special spotlight on the Urban Wilderness, a 1,000-acre urban playground only minutes from downtown.

About Legacy Parks Foundation:

Proceeds from Outdoor KnoxFest benefit Legacy Parks Foundation, a Knoxville-based non-profit actively working to make East Tennessee a recreational destination of the Southeast. During the past five years Legacy Parks Foundation has raised more than $3 million for parks, greenways and recreational venues, added more than 200 acres of parkland to Knox County and helped protect nearly 1,000 acres of farm and forestland in East Tennessee.

Outdoor Knoxville is a Legacy Parks Foundation initiative geared to help us take full advantage of the exceptional outdoor assets found in and around Knoxville. Outdoor recreation is integral to the health and economic vitality of the community. This three-pronged initiative includes the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center, a website and a three-day festival promoting outdoor activities for people of all ages and skills.

Outdoor KnoxFest benefits the Legacy Parks Foundation. For more information visit www.OutdoorKnoxville.com

Media Contact:
Erin Freeman, Ackermann PR
Phone: (865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com

Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness South Loop opens

Posted by Erin Freeman – August 14, 2012

Knoxville, TN – More than 30 miles of urban trails, including the new 15 mile South Loop, were unveiled today during a ribbon cutting by Legacy Parks Foundation, City of Knoxville and Knox County officials, and donors and supporters.

The South Loop is part of the Urban Wilderness project, 1,000 acres of urban forest that will connect an existing nature education center, three Civil War forts, a state wildlife management area, and 10 city parks.

According to an article in the Knoxville News Sentinel and a story on WBIR-TV, the opening of the Urban Wilderness South Loop is yet another example of Carol Evans and the Legacy Parks Foundation leading a charge to brand Knoxville as an outdoors epicenter by pushing easy access to trails and waterways in the city, and even more outdoor recreation a short drive away.

Carol Evans is interviewed by media during South Loop opening

Additionally, Legacy Parks Foundation lead the charge to open Outdoor Knoxville, the recreational hub for not only Knoxville but also the entire region. Centrally located on the waterfront with easy connections todowntown Knoxville, trails, greenways and a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Outdoor Knoxville is a destination with a unique mix of boutique retail, outdoor equipment rentals and sales, and local events and excursions managed through a partnership between the Legacy Parks Foundation and River Sports Outfitters.

Outdoor Knoxville will also serve as the headquarters for the August 24-26 Outdoor KnoxFest.

For more information on or to register for Outdoor KnoxFest, visit www.outdoorknoxville.com.

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Media Contact:
Erin Freeman, Ackermann PR
Phone: (865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com

3 Rivers Carp Cup added to Outdoor KnoxFest event roster

Posted by Ryan Willis – July 24, 2012

Knoxville, Tenn. – Don’t miss out on the fun, the bragging rights, the great prizes and the chance to hook the biggest, ugliest fish you’ve ever caught on the fly during the 3 Rivers Carp Cup.  Come and match wits with the wily and elusive common carp on some of the finest carp waters anywhere in the world.

The 3 Rivers Carp Cup is the latest event to be added to Outdoor KnoxFest, a three-day outdoor adventure festival benefiting Legacy Parks Foundation.

The 3 Rivers Carp Cup tournament will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25 on the Holston, French Broad, and Tennessee Rivers in the greater Knoxville area.  Two divisions will vie for the chance of holding the Carp Cup aloft as individual wade/kayak/paddle board anglers and two to three person teams will compete for prizes, fame and fortune.

An informal meet and greet will be held on Friday, Aug. 24 at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center located at Volunteer Landing.  Registration for the 3 Rivers Carp Cup is $50 and will include an official 3 Rivers Carp Cup shirt and drinks and dinner on both Friday and Saturday nights.

For information on registration, rules, and accommodations please visit the 3 Rivers Carp Cup website at www.3riverscarpcup.com or call 3 Rivers Angler at (865) 200-5271.

The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center will be the hub of Outdoor KnoxFest activities, which in addition to the 3 Rivers Carp Cup, include:

  • An all-day urban adventure race
  • A 40-mile scenic bike ride organized by the Smoky Mountain Wheelmen
  • A cross-country mountain bike time trial designed by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club
  • An urban trail run organized by the Knoxville Track Club
  • 3-mile history hike guided by former Olympian Missy Kane
  • A leisurely out-and-back bike ride to Ijams Nature Center
  • Family activities
  • Free boat and bike rentals
  • A climbing wall and slack line
  • Films

For more information on or to register for Outdoor KnoxFest, visit www.outdoorknoxville.com.

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For more information, high resolution images, b-roll video, or to arrange interviews, please contact Erin Freeman at (865) 584-0550 or efreeman@ackermannpr.com.

Experience Knoxville’s Outdoor Adventure Opportunities with Outdoor KnoxFest

Posted by Erin Freeman – June 15, 2012

Knoxville, Tenn. – Everyone from an outdoor adventure enthusiast to someone who simply loves all that nature has to offer can experience Knoxville from a bicycle seat, paddleboard, canoe, trail, climbing wall and more during Outdoor KnoxFest, a three-day event to be held Friday, Aug. 24 through Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012.

According to Carol Evans, Executive Director of the Legacy Parks Foundation, Outdoor KnoxFest will promote a variety of outdoor recreational venues and opportunities throughout East Tennessee while encouraging people of all levels of experience to participate.

“What started as a day-long adventure race, known as the Urban Wilderness Challenge, has now grown into a weekend packed full of activities for athletes and families alike,” said Evans. “Our goal is to promote outdoor activities in Knoxville and to encourage people to participate in those outdoor activities.”

Evans explains Outdoor KnoxFest is the third phase of a three-pronged initiative to capitalize on the exceptional outdoor recreational assets found in and around Knoxville. The Outdoor Knoxville initiative was launched in March 2012 and was Knoxville’s first step toward putting itself on the map as a premier outdoor recreation destination. The most visible presence for Outdoor Knoxville is the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center, the recreational hub for not only Knoxville but also the entire region. Centrally located on the waterfront with easy connections to downtown Knoxville, trails, greenways and a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Outdoor Knoxville is a destination with a unique mix of boutique retail, outdoor equipment rentals and sales, and local events and excursions managed through a partnership between the Legacy Parks Foundation and River Sports Outfitters.

The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center will be the hub of Outdoor KnoxFest activities which include:

  • An all-day adventure race
  • A 40-mile bike ride organized by the Smoky Mountain Wheelmen
  • A cross-country mountain bike trail designed by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club
  • A trail run organized by the Knoxville Track Club
  • A variety of guided hikes
  • A community bike ride
  • Family activities
  • Boat and bike demos and rentals
  • A climbing wall
  • Films and speakers

The event will attract participants from throughout the region, including Asheville, Atlanta and Nashville.

Proceeds from the event benefit Legacy Parks Foundation, a Knoxville-based non-profit actively working to make East Tennessee a recreational destination of the Southeast. During the past five years Legacy Parks Foundation has raised more than $3 million for parks, greenways and recreational venues, added more than 200 acres of parkland to Knox County and helped protect nearly 1,000 acres of farm and forest land in East Tennessee.

For more information on or to register for Outdoor KnoxFest, visit www.outdoorknoxville.com. OutdoorKnoxville.com is another facet of the Outdoor Knoxville initiative and serves as a robust, comprehensive portal to all outdoor recreational activities, venues, and events in the East Tennessee region.

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Media Contact:
Erin Freeman, Ackermann PR
Phone: (865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com

City of Knoxville and Legacy Parks announce outdoor recreation initiative: Outdoor Knoxville

Posted by Erin Freeman – February 28, 2012

Commissioner Susan Whitaker

Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville takes the first step toward putting itself on the map as a premier outdoor recreation community with the launch of Outdoor Knoxville, a three-pronged initiative to capitalize on the exceptional outdoor recreational assets found in and around Knoxville. It includes a new Adventure Center, a website and a three-day festival this summer.

The most visible presence for Outdoor Knoxville will be the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center to be created in the City-owned Gateway Pavilion Building at Volunteer Landing. Legacy Parks Foundation, a Knoxville-based non-profit focused on expanding parks, open space and recreational opportunities, will operate the center in partnership with River Sports Outfitters.

“Outdoor Knoxville will showcase our trails, parks, waterways and greenways for both visitors and Knoxville residents,” said Mayor Madeline Rogero. “We have great opportunities here for recreation in beautiful natural settings just minutes from downtown, and this effort will help promote those and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy them.”

The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center will serve as the recreational hub for not only Knoxville but also the entire region. It is centrally located with easy connections to downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee, I-40, and all the trails and greenways on both sides of the river.

Outdoor Knoxville will be a destination through a unique mix of boutique retail, outdoor equipment rentals and sales, and local events and excursions.

Carol Evans

Legacy Parks Foundation will locate its office on the second level and manage the space for public events and activities. The theater and large room will be made available for public use. Recreational, civic and community groups will be encouraged to hold meetings in the space for a nominal charge. These rentals for business and private functions would generate revenue to support Legacy Parks Foundation’s operations and mission.

River Sports Outfitters, a 29-year-old recreational retailer and outdoor excursion provider in Knoxville, will manage the first level. They will feature boat, stand-up paddleboard and bike rentals as well as retail space offering outdoor gear and equipment. Premium outdoor brands Patagonia, The North Face, Smart Wool and Mountain Hardware will create boutique concept shops within the River Sports Outfitters retail space.

In addition to the rental and retail components, Legacy Parks Foundation and River Sports Outfitters will offer public programs and group outings from the facility. Maps, directions and general information about recreational opportunities throughout the region will be provided at an information center in the building. Outdoor-related events held at the facility will bring people down to the waterfront and get them out to play.

The Gateway Pavilion Building is owned by the city, and originally housed the Gateway Regional Visitors Center. In recent years, the building has been vacant, and the city has paid to maintain it. City Council will be asked to approve a lease with Legacy Parks Foundation at its March 6 meeting. If approved, the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center will open in mid-April.

The second element of the Outdoor Knoxville initiative is a new website, OutdoorKnoxville.com. It is a robust, comprehensive portal to all outdoor recreational activities, venues, and events in our region. This highly interactive website has gathered information, videos, photos, and other related content from a broad and inclusive variety of sources, creating an easy-to-use resource for all levels of outdoor adventurers. The site officially launched today.

OutdoorKnoxville.com will position Knoxville, and the region, as a recreational destination by showcasing the abundance of parks, trails, greenways, activities, and amenities that we enjoy in Knoxville.

Mayor Madeline Rogero

It will be a powerful tool for everyone:

  • Residents can plan their outings or activities at the spur of the moment
  • Potential businesses and residents will get the best view of our quality of life offerings
  • Hotels can easily accommodate guests’ requests for activities without searching multiple websites
  • Travel professionals can plan unique excursions using sources from the site
  • Businesses can advertise their related goods and services to a highly targeted audience
  • Recruiters can use the site to highlight the region’s recreational benefits
  • Event producers can promote their events to a motivated user group

Legacy Parks Foundation has developed the site with a skilled advisory team. Elle Colquitt, author of the popular “Mini Adventure Series” of guidebooks for on- and off-road adventures around Tennessee, has developed all the content. She will keep the content current and exciting, review and manage all postings, maintain the Facebook page, and produce a weekly e-newsletter showcasing events and local activities. In addition, she will aggressively market the site locally, regionally, and nationally to users, content providers, sponsors and advertisers.

OutdoorKnoxville.com offers a year-round activity calendar that can be added to by anyone. Additionally, users are able to submit videos and photos as well as offer their experiences, advice, and review on events, trails and venues.

Information will always be current, descriptive, and easy to use. Outdoor KnoxFest is the third key element in the initiative. Outdoor KnoxFest will be a three-day event, Aug. 24 -26, that promotes a variety of outdoor recreational venues and opportunities throughout East Tennessee and encourages people of all levels of experience to participate. The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center will be the hub of these activities.

The events will include:

  • An all-day adventure race
  • A metric century bike ride organized by the Smoky Mountain Wheelmen
  • A cross-country mountain bike trial designed by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club
  • A trail run organized by the Knoxville Track Club
  • A variety of guided hikes
  • A community bike ride
  • Family activities
  • Boat and bike demos and rentals
  • A climbing wall
  • Films and speakers
  • This event will attract participants from throughout the region, including Asheville, Atlanta and Nashville.

Legacy Parks Foundation has been actively working to make East Tennessee a recreational destination of the Southeast. The initial work has been focused on creating a 1,000-acre urban wilderness and recreational corridor stretching along the Tennessee River’s south shore, from the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area to Alcoa Highway. This corridor will parallel and connect to the greenways along the north side of the river.

During the past five years Legacy Parks Foundation has raised more than $3 million for parks, greenways and recreational venues, added more than 200 acres of parkland to Knox County and helped protect nearly 1,000 acres of farm and forest land in East Tennessee.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com