KARNS

First the Urban Wilderness. Now, a premier water trail on Beaver Creek.

Nancy Anderson
Shopper News

Beaver Creek will soon receive some much needed attention with a $452,000 renovation budget approved by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.

Jacobs made the announcement along with Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation, and County Commissioner Larsen Jay at a press conference held at Powell Station  on Aug. 28.

“Knox County has committed $452,000 to clear Beaver Creek and construct a number of new kayak put-ins along the creek, making Beaver Creek the home of the Knox County Water Trail.

“Thanks goes out to our partners on this project, Legacy Parks Foundation, the Beaver Creek Kayak Club and big thanks to Commissioner Larsen Jay. Thanks in advance to Visit Knoxville for promoting the Knox County Water Trail to visitors,” said Jacobs.

Charlie Austin, president of Beaver Creek Kayak Club, addresses the crowd at the dedication of $452,000 by Knox County to improve Beaver Creek, making it a premier water trail, Aug. 28, 2020.

Once completed, the Knox County Water Trail will span 44 miles from Clayton Park in Halls through Powell, Karns, and Solway to Melton Hill Lake.

Step one is to clean and clear the water trail of trash and debris. There are countless logjams along the length of Beaver Creek. Some are severe and will require heavy equipment.

Step two is to install more ADA-compliant launch pads similar to the one built at Powell Station.

Knox County Commissioner Larsen Jay and Mayor Glenn Jacobs at Powell Station for the dedication of $452,000 to improve Beaver Creek on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020.

Step three is to install signage so water trail enthusiasts will know where they are along Beaver Creek, which will allow rescue teams better contact should there be an emergency.

“We are more than thrilled with the interest to clean, clear and care for this vital waterway. Beaver Creek collects all the trash people throw from their windows and that’s really a problem,” said Charlie Austin, president of Beaver Creek Kayak Club.

“There are logjams that are Level 5 and will require heavy equipment. With the money and the interest from Parks and Recreation, the Beaver Creek Kayak Club will have a much needed partner in getting all that cleared. We just can’t do it ourselves.

The Beaver Creek Kayak Club in conjunction with Knox County started a new campaign to clean, clear, and care for Beaver Creek using the $452,000 dedicated at Powell Station Friday, Aug. 28, 2020.

“This will help mitigate flooding and improve the water quality of the stream, which will not only be great for us water trail enthusiasts, but it will be great for all the wildlife.

“Once this is done you’ll be able to put your kayak in at Clayton Park in Halls and float all the way to Melton Hill Lake. That will make for an incredible day on the water for Knox County residents and will be a great activity for visitors to our area. We’d like to see people come to visit specifically to float Beaver Creek. It could be a major outdoor recreation draw for us.”