Knox County officials cut the ribbon Saturday on the county’s newest dog park, the last of the parks approved by community vote in 2020, and dedicated it to the many dogs who did not live to see it open.
A bronze plaque mounted beside the gate reads “They Waited Patiently.”
The six-year construction timeline, officials stressed, was actually ahead of schedule. “In government years, six years is just under one year,” explained Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Gary Ledford. “It’s the same math as dog years, but pointed the other direction. We ask residents to keep both conversions in mind before they email us.”
Saturday’s ceremony opened with a moment of silence and a reading of names. According to the memorial wall installed near the water fountain, of the 41 dogs photographed at the original 2020 petition drive, 26 are deceased, nine have moved to Farragut, four are unaccounted for, and two attended.
Janet Prewitt of Powell stood at the fence holding the leash of her beagle, Duke, who was three when the vote passed. “Duke was a big supporter. He heard the word ‘park’ at least once a day for four years,” she told Knoxpatch.com. “Toward the end we had to start saying it with air quotes so he wouldn’t get his hopes up.”
Ledford acknowledged the low turnout among the honorees but pointed to the future. The county’s next dog park, approved by community vote earlier this year, is expected to open in 2032. “We encourage puppies to get involved now,” he said. “A dog born today could realistically attend that ribbon cutting. That’s the kind of long-term civic vision this county rewards.”
The gates opened at noon. Attendance was strong, though most of the honorees were unable to attend.