- Originally a vacant tract of land in South Knoxville gifted to the city’s Parks system in 2002, the Hastie Natural Area suffered from damage related to ATV use, illegal dumping, significant erosion, and large amounts of litter.
- A general improvement plan was developed in 2004, but a long-range, more specific master plan was needed to guide development.
- Based on meetings gathering input from community members, neighborhood groups, local clubs, City of Knoxville representatives, and other stakeholders, ETCDC and volunteer landscape architect Cliff Brooks, LA developed a master plan addressing short- and long-term improvements.
The Hastie Natural Area began as a vacant tract of land in the center of the Lake Forest neighborhood in South Knoxville, gifted to the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department in 2002. The park is named in honor of William H. Hastie, a renowned civil rights activist born and raised in South Knoxville, the first African-American federal judge … Read More
Read moreThe Hastie Natural Area began as a vacant tract of land in the center of the Lake Forest neighborhood in South Knoxville, gifted to the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department in 2002. The park is named in honor of William H. Hastie, a renowned civil rights activist born and raised in South Knoxville, the first African-American federal judge in the United States.
The property had suffered significant damage before its acquisition, including widespread erosion and litter related to ATV misuse and illegal dumping. Beneath the damage, however, the area contained both an abundance of unique geological features and a diverse assortment of native plant species, making it an excellent location for both recreational and educational activities. The development of this land into a maintained natural area (as part of the City’s parks system) will transform the nearly 80 acres of neglected wilderness from a local nuisance to a community asset. While a basic, short-term plan for the site had already been developed, it was determined in 2005 that a comprehensive, long-range master plan was necessary.
To develop this master plan, the East Tennessee Community Design Center (ETCDC) assembled a task force to guide the plan’s development. Led by project volunteer Cliff Brooks, LA, LEED AP, the task force was composed of representatives from the University of Tennessee, Lake Forest Neighborhood Association, Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC), Beck Cultural Center, Knox County, City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation, Knoxville City Council, and other invested community members.
Throughout 2008, the task force met regularly both on- and off-site to locate trails and design public use areas, and in 2009, the master plan was completed. Some of the plan’s main features include development of trail systems for both bicycles and pedestrians, picnic and activity areas, intentional areas for observing the unique natural features of the park (supplemented by educational kiosks, interpretive exhibits, and trail maps throughout), gated entry/exit with parking area, and security measures to deter misuse and prevent further ATV-related erosion.
This plan outlines future development to ensure Hastie Natural Area can continue to grow into a safe outdoor recreation and gathering space for the community.
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