Knox County and Ijams Nature Center are wrapping up a major project to improve access for recreation at Mead’s Quarry Lake. Team members from the county’s Parks and Recreation Department and Ijams have spent the past few weeks installing a new floating walkway that runs along the edge of the quarry from Pinkston Pointe Rock to the swimming dock.
The walkway, which was funded through private donations and $100,000 from the county, will provide 250 feet of new space. “It’s basically a floating shoreline so more people can access the lake for swimming, fishing and paddling,” Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs said. “We’re invested in places for our residents to get outside and connect with nature.”
Amber Park, executive director of Ijams, agreed. “It will be an amazing space for people to enjoy this summer,” she said. “We wanted to give more access to more people to swim at Ijams and to do it safely. Everyone coming together makes Ijams possible.”
Construction crews still need to anchor the walkway to the nearby rock walls but should be finished soon. “This is a hidden gem for South Knoxville,” said Knox County Commissioner Carson Dailey, whose district includes the quarry. “Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s this was a dumping ground, but Ijams came along and cleaned it up with the help of Knox County. Now we have a great place
for families to come out and swim, fish, canoe and paddle board.”
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