In the Spring of 2019, Carol Evans, Executive Director Legacy Parks Foundation, requested assistance with developing a Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan. The Park will be located off of Governor John Sevier Highway overlooking the French Broad River and the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. The parkland will be donated by Blue Water Industries to the Legacy Parks Foundation.

In June of 2019, ETCDC Studio Director, Leslie Fawaz and Volunteer Professional Advisor, Nathan Hunter hosted a programming meeting with stakeholders from several Veterans organizations to discuss the amenities to be considered for the proposed park. The items discussed at the programming meeting included: the over-arching theme for the park, which is to pay tribute to our East Tennessee Veterans; develop accessible amenities wherever possible; develop an area for a permanent pavilion that can be used daily and for gatherings of 200 or more people; develop parking for everyday use knowing that large events will require off-site parking; develop areas for monuments to honor veterans; develop a trail system and areas to view the cemetery.

In mid-summer, Carol Evans, Nathan Hunter, and Walt Hillis, a representative from Blue Water Industries, toured the site. The site area and required setbacks were discussed and drawings were sent that were used to develop the project base maps. After developing design concepts, the design team hosted two concept review meetings, which allowed the stakeholders to provide input on the master plan. Legacy Parks Foundation also featured the draft project boards at their annual luncheon.

The final master plan shows a new entrance drive at Governor John Sevier Highway that leads to parking for over 60 cars with 8 being accessible spaces, a large flag court, a 40’ x 80’ pavilion with a plaza containing an area designated for a larger scale monument, a river, and cemetery overlook with guardrails and a wooded node for meditation. Due to the pavilion and plaza size, events for over 200 people could occur at the park. Parking for these larger events will have to be located off-site with shuttle transport provided.

The plaza leads to a paved 1/8 mile accessible walkway. Along the walkway are areas for memorials and benches. The walkway culminates at another large viewing area that overlooks the French Broad River and the East TN Veterans Cemetery. Due to the existing terrain east of the large viewing area, another 1/8 mile section of the hiking trail will be developed.