Developers donate South Knox Co. land to relocate Bower Field Park

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A local development company donated 107 acres of land to Legacy Parks Foundation to relocate a ballpark in South Knox County.

“The only way that our community can move forward is if we do change if we do take advantage of opportunities,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.

County officials discussed the future of Bower Field Park on Monday, a ballpark that has been a part of south Knox County for decades.

“They know that they are going to get— a bigger, better, Bower Field,” said County Commissioner Carson Dailey.

After Thunder Mountain Properties bought the land Bower Field Park sits on, they donated a different portion of the land to relocate it. However, local residents remain skeptical about how this could impact their area and traditions.

“This is a small rural area. This is not Harden Valley. This is not a big open space, as you can very well see,” said Knox County resident Cheryl Ellis. “So, I would love for it to stay the way it is, then put the money into it, and that’s what I think the community would want.”

Some raised concerns about the land they are donating.

“This area is swampland. you can look at the vegetation and know what that is. We want assurances and guarantees that this could actually turn into a ballpark,” said Knox County resident Dawn Close. “We want the community to be involved in what’s going on. We just want to make sure it can happen.”

Others see the donation as a new opportunity.

“As long as we have a ballpark to play at, it’s within not even, apparently, five minutes of the current location. Me personally, I’m excited,” said Bower Field Athletic Association President John Lane.

As the president of BFAA, Lane said he is looking forward to a new beginning.

“Now it’s the opportunity for new memories. So just imagine all the firsts that can take place. The first homerun. The first win at a new park. So, an exciting, possible new tradition,” he said.

According to Commissioner Dailey, the park will be a 20-acre sports complex with trails and artificial surfaces so baseball and softball players can play rain or shine. However, it may take a few years before they see this transition.

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