Parks & Rec upcoming events, history keys new Town column
From the Town
Column writer Wendy Smith manages the Town of Farragut communications department.
She keeps the community informed about meetings, road and park projects, Town services and special events through the Town of Farragut website and in farragutpress among local print and online publications, social media and traditional media.
Farragut Parks & Rec offers something for everyone
When I joined the Town of Farragut staff in early 2017, the Parks & Rec Department was squirreled away in a second-floor corner of Town Hall. Several employees shared one space – creative and energetic people who dreamed of being able to offer more.
At the time, a variety of athletic programs and special events were held at Farragut’s four parks, but indoor programming was limited by a lack of space. Town Hall had a Community Room, but it wasn’t ideal for recreation.
This changed in early 2020 when the Town partnered with Knox County to buy the former Faith Lutheran Church to be the Farragut Community Center and West Knox Senior Center. The Parks & Rec staff gained a gymnasium, an Assembly Hall (the former sanctuary) and two classrooms to program.
Almost as soon as the Community Center doors opened, they closed due to Covid. It was a frustrating time for staff, who were chomping at the bit to provide classes and gym programs. Socially-distant activities eventually gave way to a steady stream of gym sports and exercise and craft classes.
Today, the Community Center lives up to the vision of the elected leaders and staff who dreamed of it for years before it became reality.
A new season of programs and events begins Tuesday, April 1, and offers something for all ages and interests.
Adult classes like Sourdough for Beginners and Zumba, and youth programs like Afterschool Art, Homeschool PE and Wiggle, Giggle and Go (for preschoolers) keep the Community Center busy all day. Athletic programs in the gym have expanded this spring to include Drop-in Dodgeball.
New programs and events extend beyond the Community Venter. Farragut Parks & Rec will celebrate Bike Week with three events: A Learn-to-Ride Workshop for kids is May 12, and Bike Maintenance 101 on May 14 offers the basics of caring for a bicycle. Two Ride-Along events on Farragut greenways, May 16 and 17, are suitable for the whole family.
New events also are on the spring schedule. A Visit Farragut and Parks & Rec partnership, Chalk the Plaza, is May 31 at Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza. Participants compete in a chalk art competition, and non-competitors can enjoy food trucks, vendors and a Kids’ Zone.
Farragut’s Kid Try-Athlon, June 7 at McFee Park, allows kids to bike, run and splash their way across the finish line. (Find more info and register for these and other programs and events at townoffarragut.org/register.)
In the second half of 2024, Parks & Rec had an average of 991 program participants per month. This number is a testament to the enthusiasm of the staff and the amazing Farragut Community Center.
If you haven’t seen it for yourself, stop by during business hours (from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and from 1 to 4 p.m, Sundays).
Pick up a Spring Program Guide and give a staff member a pat on the back. The guide also is available online at townoffarragut.org under “Farragut News.” Follow Farragut Parks & Rec on Facebook and Instagram for more info.
