Celebration of Design Set to Honor Union Heritage Park
Knoxville, Tennessee
Get ready for a delightful evening as Union Heritage Park in Union County is all set to receive the Annette Anderson Director’s Award during the upcoming Celebration of Design event! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 5-9 p.m., taking place at the historic Ramsey House located at 2614 Thorn Grove Pike, Knoxville.
This event promises to be an experience to remember, featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres prepared by Holly’s Gourmet Market and sweet treats from Cruze Farm. If live music strikes your fancy, enjoy the enchanting sounds of bluegrass performed by Will Carter, all while sipping on craft beers from local vendors. Plus, you won’t want to miss the live artistic creation by local artist Bill Bledsoe, who will paint an original piece during the event.
A Night of Celebration
It’s not just about the awards; it’s a celebration of the community spirit and hard work that made Union Heritage Park possible. The Rev. Dr. Jerry Askew will be honored with the Impact Award, named in memory of ETCDC founder Bruce McCarty, recognizing significant contributions to community design and development.
A Community Effort
Union Heritage Park’s story is a classic tale of community collaboration. Union County Mayor Jason Bailey shared the journey: “We got this piece of land through a tax sale; the owner hadn’t paid its taxes. The Farmers Market was meeting on the high school’s parking lot, and some of us thought we could use this land for them.” His enthusiasm is infectious as he remembers how quickly the Farmers Market board jumped on board. A simple shed was built, which began a chain of community efforts that vastly transformed the area.
Mayor Bailey highlights the incredible teamwork involved, underscoring the leadership from individuals like county commissioner Danny Cook, former commissioner Earl Cox, and several others who have been instrumental in the park’s development. Though it started small, these efforts are blossoming into something special.
Exciting Future Plans
Interestingly, Bailey has been delving into Tennessee Music Pathways, a project that could attract tourists to Union County, adding another layer to the community’s growth. He envisions the high school’s vocational department using the commercial kitchen in the Farmers Market area for culinary arts education, which could boost local talent.
The idea of a Wall of Fame has also been floated to celebrate musicians from Union County, featuring legends like Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, and Kenny Chesney. Imagine a beautiful tribute to these influential artists right in the heart of the community!
Designing the Future
In the spring of 2022, Mayor Bailey reached out to the East Tennessee Community Design Center (ETCDC) for design assistance, and their collaboration rapidly expanded into a comprehensive design plan for the park. Dustin Durham, the design center’s coordinator, led a property tour to identify the best locations for various park features while taking into account essential aspects like stormwater flow.
The park’s vision includes a stunning music wall, designed with unique undulating curves that will not only serve as a beautiful visual element but will also function as retaining walls. There are plans for a space accommodating three food trucks, ensuring visitors can enjoy delicious bites right by the beautiful green surround.
Excitingly, the entire site will be encircled by a new fence, which opens up the option for adding gates in the future. Progress continues to thrive in Union County, proving the power of community and collaboration.
Join the Celebration!
Make sure you don’t miss out on this fantastic celebration! Tickets are available, and it promises to be an unforgettable evening, celebrating the design and dedication that has shaped Union Heritage Park into a vibrant community asset.
See you there!
