Ijams purchases 22-acre property from former Knoxville attorney Jon Burnett

KNOXVILLE -- Ijams Nature Center has acquired an additional 22-acre property between Sevierville Pike and Ijams' Quarries from Jon Burnett, former attorney for the City of Knoxville. This addition will give Ijams a total of 300 acres. Ijams, Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, feels this addition will ensure that natural views are forever protected and new trails will provide opportunities for both active and passive recreation.

As momentum increases to protect and support parks, locally and nationally, a private donor made a $100 million gift to New York's Central Park, In Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center does just that; its value is akin to Central Park.

As a gateway to the South Loop, Ijams is the jump off point to experience the Urban Wilderness. Groups like the Appalachian Mountain bike Club (AMBC) have embraced Ijams, and their Tuesday evening rides are like mini-festivals with 50-60 riders. Another group, such as the newly formed Girls Outside, a volunteer-led group encouraging young girls to connect to the outdoors, is also starting their experiences at Ijams before heading onto other sections of the Urban Wilderness.

Ijams is continuing to partner with AMBC to complete three additional miles by the end of the year to satisfy a state of Tennessee Recreational Trails Program grant. Those trails will connect to other sections of the Urban Wilderness at nearby Forks of the River and William Hastie Natural Area. Whether you are on bike or on foot, the Ijams trail experience is truly breathtaking, and located only two miles from downtown Knoxville makes it an easy destination for Knoxville residents and the tourist set.

The seller, Mr. Jon Burnett, has long envisioned his property to be a part of the Ijams Park. Mr. Burnett grew up near the original Ijams family home on Island Home Avenue and his sister, Helene, was a close friend of Mary Ijams, one of the Ijams daughters. Mr. Burnett was an early Ijams Board Member during the 1960s. The Burnett family is now thrilled that their land will be preserved and enjoyed by all for years to come.

Published October 29, 2012