Archives 2005-08
These archives document the process, events, and milestones in the last three years of work to get a park in Knoxville.
2-1-2008
The park is open!!!
What a great time last night!!! About 100-200 people showed up in Tyson Park to show their support for the Knoxville Skatepark. It was a fun time until the rain ended it all around 7:30. Check out the story in today's Knoxville newspaper. Also TV coverage from WATE and WBIR
You can also view some pictures from the Grand Opening here.
A big thanks goes out to the City and County Mayors, Knoxville City and County Parks departments, the Knoxville Skatepark Task Force, and all of those who have supported this project for the last two years.
The park will be open daily from 8:00AM-9:00PM through the winter months, and hours will be extended as the weather gets warmer.
There is still construction going on at the park, so keep out of the mud, and keep the park clean. As time goes on, and the weather gets warmer, there will be many improvements going on at the park. Remember to be nice to all the city workers and officials. They gave us this place to skate, and they can just as easily take it away, and it only takes one person to ruin it for all of Knoxville. So PLAY NICE!!!
Just a things to remember:
THE PARK IS UNSUPERVISED, SKATE AT YOUR OWN RISK
Please Read and Follow the Following Rules:
* Helmets are required and must be strapped.
* Elbow and kneepads are recommended
* Skateboards, skates and BMX bikes only in the park. (BMX bikes must be equipped with skatepark friendly pegs. Plastic or PVC covers are suggested.
*Avoid skating when the surface area is wet (rain, snow, etc.)
*NO alcohol, drugs, profanity or fighting
*Scooters, mountain bikes and motorized devises are not permitted
* Vandalism, including graffiti, stickers and tagging, is illegal. If this occurs it may require the park to be closed temporarily
* Be courteous and respectful of others
* No other items such as benches, table may be used as ramps or jumps in the skatepark
*Events, lessons and other organized activities require written permission
*Glass containers are prohibited in or near the skating surface
Thanks again to everyone that showed up last night and we all look forward to many years of excitement, fun, improvements and expansion at the new facility. Viva Knoxville Skatepark!!!!
1-30-2008
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony TOMORROW 1-31-08@ 4:00!!!!!!
That is right! The mayors, park, city, and county officials will be holding the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony TOMORROW, Thursday, Jan 31 at 4:00!!!! At this time, the event is dependent on the weather (there is a chance of rain in the forecast***). There will be no riding on Thursday before the Ribbon Cutting ceremony at 4:00 and the park will be locked until that time. Once the ceremony has been completed, the PARK WILL BE OPEN FOR RIDING!!!!! Remember, in order to ride the skatepark, all riders MUST be wearing a helmet. NO HELMET, NO RIDE!!!!
***If the ceremony is cancelled due to rain, the park will not be opening tomorrow (as the park will be wet and the gates will be locked), but the park will be open in the next few days, possibly as soon as this Sat, Feb. 2nd, and the ribbon cutting will be rescheduled for the future. If this does happen, stay tuned to this website, and we will have the latest info on the rescheduled opening available as soon as possible.
The lights are scheduled to stay on until 9:00 Thursday night (depending on the weather), and will be on every night till 9:00 during the rest of the winter. As the weather gets better this spring, the lighting hours will be extended.
It has been a long hard process and many people have put in many, many hours, effort and money to bring Knoxville it's first world class skatepark, so come on out tomorrow and show your support!!!!!
1-23-2008
Construction Update
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The Knoxville Skatepark Larger Picture. |
The concrete for the skatepark has been completed and is now in the process of being cleaned up. The park will now revert to the City/County for the final phase of construction before it is open to the public. Landscaping, bathrooms, lighting, etc. still need to be taken care of. This will take a couple of weeks, but we anticipate the park to be open of riding very soon.
Although the park concrete has been completed, the park is NOT open for riding. The park is now surrounded by a large fence, and the Knoxville Police Department has orders to arrest any one found inside the park.
As soon as a firm date is set for the opening it will be posted on this website. In addition, there is talk of a "Grand opening" celebration taking place sometime in the future once the weather is a little warmer. There is also a article on the WATE website about the park and you can see it here. Stay tuned for further developments.
1-15-2008
Construction Update
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Wedge to Bank |
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The upper part of the Street Area with Jersey Barrier |
The construction has been moving along slow but steady, and the concrete for the park should be completed soon. Still no word yet on an opening date, but we are hoping within the next few weeks. There is also a tall security fence surrounding the skatepark, and the area is not open to the public. As soon as we receive an opening date from the Parks Dept. it will be posted on this website. Check back for the latest info as the construction comes down to the final phase.
12-18-2007
Construction Update
The construction is back underway at the skatepark. The bad weather has caused some delays, but work has resumed. They will soon be pouring the ledges for the street area. The ground is still quite muddy, and will have to dry out for a few days before the street area can be completed. Everyone please be patient, the crew is doing their best. Everything is looking really great and it will be one of the best parks around. Pictues of the construction will be posted soon.
In other news, the is a community meeting tonight at Powell Middle School to discuss putting in a skatepark at Powell Station Park. Check out the article in the paper.
12-4-2007
The Park is NOT open!!!!
There is a rumor gong around that the park is ridable. This is NOT TRUE!The park is still under construction and no one but the work crew should be inside the fenced area surrounding the construction. It has come to the attention of the Knoxville Skatepark Task Force and the Parks officials that many people have been jumping the fence and riding the park. Some of these trespassers have been moving construction equipment/supplies around, chucking up the unfinished concrete and causing problems. The Knoxville Police Department has been made aware of the situation, and riders will have to deal with the police if caught riding the park. This activity has also caused problems with the construction crew and work may have have to be redone. This could cause a delay in the opening of the park. So if you have been riding the unfinished park, or have friends that have, STOP!!! It only takes one person to ruin it for everyone, and it maybe your friend that keeps the park from opening. There is still a good amount of construction to do on the street and bank bowl areas, so STAY OUT. Remember, the city can close the park off and keep it from opening anytime soon, so let's all stay out until the park is completed and we can all have a great time.
The construction of the park can still be viewed by the general public, but observers must stay outside of the fenced construction area. Thanks for helping and supporting the Knoxville Skatepark.
11-26-2007
Construction Update
Construction continues on the skatepark. The park is really looking good and early reports say it will be one of the best in the southeast. The bowls are almost complete, and the concrete for the street area should be going in this week. Although the weather/rain may hold up the construction, the Skatepark Task Force will be meeting some time this week to resolve final construction issues and to hopefully set an opening date for the park. Check back here for the latest updates, and the latest news on when the park will be open for riding.
Engraved Bricks Deadline
We will also be concluding the "Buy a Brick" fundraising program on Dec 1st, so this will be your last chance to Buy a personalized brick for inclusion in at the skatepark during Phase I. You can still buy a brick right now by either mailing your order in, or by using our online shopping cart. We will still be selling bricks in the future for the next phase of construction, so if you don't get a brick now, they will be available again in the future.
11-5-2007
Construction Update
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The Flow Bowl |
Construction continues on the skatepark. The Free flow bowl and pool are near completion, with the bank bowl and the street area next. It is all looking really good. Check out latest constuction pictures.
11-5-2007
Skateboard Roller Derby
This Saturday Nov. 10th, the Knoxville Skatepark Task Force in conjunction with the Hard Knox Roller Girls will be having a Skateboard Roller Derby exhibition during the intermission of the regularly scheduled bout at the Icearium on Watt road in west knox county. ugh the warehouse. The KSTF will have the booth set up and be selling t-shirts, giving out stickers, and talking about the latest construction on the park.
Also thanks to everyone who showed up at Ironwood studios this last friday, and a big thanks to owners John and Preston. It was tons of fun, and the construction crew from California Skateparks had a blast. Thanks to everyone once again for such a great event.
10-31-2007
First Friday at Ironwood Studios
Ironwood Studios at 119 Jennings Street, just off Central Ave, near downtown will be hosting a skatepark fundrasier in conjucntion with the monthly First Friday events. The Task Force will have the booth setup and will be selling t-shirts, giving away stickers and talking about the latest word on the park. Skateboarding, roller girls, videos, skateboard art, Videos, Bands, Food, a skateboard gumball rally though the warehouse. All this and more THIS FRIDAY, Nov. 2nd at Ironwood Studios!!
Construction Update-Halloween Concrete
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The Flow bowl gets worked |
Construction is making excellent progress. The concrete pour has begun, and looks great so far. The Flow bowl is being shotcreted now. The pool will be next followed by the banked bowl and street areas. The park looks to be on schedule for opening in mid-late december, depending on weather. Check out latest constuction pictures.
10-20-2007Construction Update
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The Free Flow Bowl and the Banked Bowl (Click to enlage) |
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The Pool (Click to enlage) |
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Pool and Free Flow (Click to enlage) |
Construction is making good progress. The first of the rebar in in place and, depending on weather, wally may begin to shoot concrete next week. Check out latest constuction pictures.
Mayors' Luncheon for the Parks
The Knoxville Skatepark Task Force will have the booth set up this coming friday Oct 26th at the Mayor' Mayors' Luncheon for the Parks. You can find more information here.
First Friday at Ironwood Studios
Ironwood Studios located off Central, near downtown will be hosting a skatepark fundrasier in conjucntion with the montly First Friday events. The Task Force will have the booth setup and will be selling t-shirts, giving away stickers and talking about the latest word on the park. Skateboarding, skateboard art, Videos, Bands, Food, and a skateboard gumball rally though the warehouse. All this and more on Friday, Nov. 2nd at Ironwood Studios!!
10-3-2007
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The Free Flow Bowl |
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The Pool |
Construction is moving along on the skatepark. The coping has been put in place and the bowls are almost shaped out. Check out the pictures. More updates in the near future. We are continuing to collect donations for the additional street areas, so support the Knoxville Skatepark, online, at the booth, or at a benefit show, DONATE TODAY!
10-2-2007
Blue Cats Skatepark Band Benefit
The band benefit at Blue Cats went well this last weekend, and another $1300 was raised for the park. The Knoxville Skatepark Task Force would like to send a special thank you to Blue Cats, and the bands Down From Up,The Random Panties, Matgo Primo, and Fat Penguin for playing the show and donating the door proceeds to the construction of the skatepark. THANKS EVERYONE!!!! The money being raised now will be going to the expansion of the street area and the addition of more rails, pads and obstacles. Click on the name of the band to get to their MySpace pages and get a sample of some of the musical line up from the benefit.
Construction Update
Construction continues on the skatepark. The coping has been put in place and the construction is moving along quickly. Check back soon for the latest pictures. We are continuing to collect donations for the additional street and pool areas, so support the Knoxville Skatepark, online, at the booth, or at a benefit show, DONATE TODAY!
9-17-2007
Blue Cats Skatepark Band Benefit
The First Knoxville Skatepark Benefit will be at Blue Cats in the Old City, Friday, Sept. 28th. The Knoxville Skatepark Task Force will have the booth set up and will be selling t-shirts, taking donations and putting out the word about the latest skatepark updates. Bands, videos, skateboarding, and more to be announced. The the current band line up is Down From Up,The Random Panties, Matgo Primo, and Fat Penguin Click on the name of the band to get to their MySpace pages and get a sample of some of the musical line up for the benefit.
9-14-2007
Wally in town
Wally Hollyday was in town this week to check construction progress at the skatepark. Things are beginning to take shape, and it is looking good.
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The constuction continues |
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Wally Hollyday meets with the KSTF |
Wally working hard |
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Diggn Holes |
Signage |
We are continuing to collect donations for the additional street and pool areas, so support the Knoxville Skatepark, online, at the booth, or at a benefit show, DONATE TODAY!
Bent Fork BikeFest
Check out the booth at the Bent Fork BikeFest this weekend. We will be selling t-shirts, taking donations and putting out the word about the latest skatepark updates. Bands, bikes, skateboarding, roller derby girls, wakeboarding, and more and it's all free!
Blue Cats Band Benefit
Bands are being lined up for the Knoxville Skatepark Benefit show at Blue Cats in the old city on Friday, Sept. 28. More info soon.
9-8-2007
Donations!!!
Several local businesses and individuals have showed their support for the Knoxville Skatepark with generous donations!
| Dayton Hilton - Dayton's Pest Control | $300 |
| Joe Burst - Stonebridge Builders | $500 |
| Brian Beauchene - Pluto Sports | $5000 |
Thanks to our newest donors and everyone else who has donated. We are that much closer to the street and pool
additions. If you would like to show your support to the Knoxville Skatepark, contact Carol Evans at the Legacy Parks Foundation, donate online!, buy a brick, or visit our booth at Bent Fork BikeFest or at the Knoxville Skatepark Benefit show. Only a few months before the park opens, so DONATE TODAY!
8-31-2007
Bent Fork BikeFest
The Knoxville Skateapark Task Force will have the booth set up at the Bent Fork BikeFest, Sept 14, 15, and 16 on the World's Fair site, in downtown knoxville. We will be selling t-shirts, taking donations and putting out the word about the latest skatepark updates. Bands, bikes, skateboarding, roller derby girls, wakeboarding, and more! Check out the website for all the info.
Blue Cats Band Benefit
A date has now been set for the first Knoxville Skatepark Band Benefit. The benefit will be Friday, Sept. 28th at Blue Cats in the old city. More on the band line up, times and information as it becomes available.
Construction Update
Construction continues on the skatepark. The drains systems have been put in place and initial site preparation is under way. We are continuing to collect donations for the additional street and pool areas, so support the Knoxville Skatepark, online, at the booth, or at a benefit show, DONATE TODAY!
8-21-2007
Construction Begins 
The latest pictures from the site of the upcoming skatepark. Construction is underway and we are still shooting for a completion date of late Nov-early Dec. We are still in need of donations for the park. We are now offering corporate sponsorship for various elements of the skatepark, and have many other options for sponsorship including benches, construction materials, water fountains, shade structures and other park amenities. If you would like to find out more, contact Carol Evans at the Legacy Parks Foundation.
8-15-2007
Pro Demo
There will be a pro demo TODAY (8/16)at the Concord Skatepark. Pluto Sports has brought in Ricky Oyola, Bobby Puleo, JT Aultz, and several more from Vox Shoes and Traffic Skateboards. The pros will be at Pluto from 5:00-6:00 and then making an appearance at the Concord skatepark form 7:00-8:00. Come on out and see the pros!
Construction Update
Wally has posted some new drawings of the Knoxville Skatepark and you can see them HERE. Wally should be in town this week to start digging holes. Rumor has it the backhoes are already on site.
8-9-2007
Ground Breaking Ceremony
Construction Begins
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Wally said that they will be moving equipment in today (Aug 9) and digging holes and boring drains by next week. He said it is a 4 months build process, so we should be skating by late Nov., early Dec.
Thanks to everyone that showed up and we look forward to seeing you all at the park in a few months. Keep an eye on www.knoxvilleskatepark.com as I will be posting photos of the construction as it take place over the next few months.
Here is a really good article about Dave Armstrong the Mayor of Louisville, KY and his efforts to build skateparks. This is why Knoxville needs a skatepark like Louisville.
About the KnoxvilleSkatepark.com
KnoxvilleSkatepark.com is a grassroots effort to get a public skatepark built in Knoxville, TN. For years, Knoxville ignored the fact that a growing segment of the population have expressed a need for a public facility to accommodate action sports. Several years ago, skateboarding was outlawed in the downtown business district, and enthusiasts are being ticketed. Several "underground" skateparks have popped up over the years, only to shut down time and time again. Many cities are now realizing the need need to accommodate these athletes, and Louisville, Lexington, Asheville, Nashville, and many other cities in the region now building skateparks. A skatepark in Knoxville provides a much needed recreational outlet for these activities and adds vitality to our city.
You can contact us at Info@knoxvilleskatepark.com With your help, we can make knoxville a better place to live (and skate).