The Lakeshore Park Conservancy, in collaboration with the City of Knoxville, has announced the grand opening of a fresh addition to Lakeshore Park – the Huie Woodland Playground. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set to take place on Wednesday, May 8, at 3 p.m., giving kids and parents a new reason to get excited about outdoor play.
This isn't your run-of-the-mill playground. Tucked away in a woodland setting, the Huie Woodland Playground was generously donated by Ann and Joe Huie, and it brings an imaginative twist to the park's current offerings. The area was previously underappreciated, and the entrance to this enchanted forest of play is conveniently located near parking, soccer fields, and trails, making it simple for families to dive into an adventure.
Youngsters will find all the thrills of a playground set amidst nature, with features like a towering 12-foot embankment slide, a boulder scramble, and a log ladder. At ground level, little explorers can navigate through a log tunnel, clamber over a log stack, or play games in a quaint play hut.
It’s all about blending in – the playground's aesthetic centers around natural materials like wood, rock, and boulders. Existing trees including magnolias, and tulip poplars, envelop the area, providing shade and a cozy atmosphere for play. Sculptural inverted trees and custom wooden elements dot the landscape, adding to the playground's charm.
According to the City of Knoxville, "The Huie Woodland Playground is one of four playgrounds offered at Lakeshore Park.” While currently the Lakeshore Playground is getting a facelift, and the brand-new Tower Playground is under construction, this latest addition is unique in its natural setting, providing a stark contrast to the more traditional playgrounds in the park.
Families can start planning their trips to this newest Knoxville gem, to swing, slide, and let their imaginations roam free among the trees. Mark your calendars for this Wednesday, and don't miss the chance to celebrate this one-of-a-kind play space in your community.
