KNOX COUNTY - Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will be joined by local philanthropist and President of the University of Tennessee (UT) System Randy Boyd and other elected leaders for the grand opening of Knox County’s newest dog park.

The event, which includes a ceremonial ribbon cutting at which community members are welcome, will take place at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Knox County SportsPark (8050 Oak Ridge Hwy).

The county plans to build two more dog parks within the next couple of years thanks to a contest and grant program initiated and funded by the Boyd Family Foundation. The proposal – dubbed the Knox Neighborhood Dog Parks Plan – was designed to make Knox County No. 1 in dog parks per capita in the nation.

A contest was held four years ago, and residents chose the various locations to build them. The Boyd Family Foundation then agreed to donate $250,000 to help pay for them. Since they are expected to cost more, the county put up an additional $150,000.

“Providing more high-quality outdoor spaces is always a win for our community,” Mayor Jacobs said. “We’re grateful for partners like Randy Boyd who share our vision and help us expand opportunities for residents and their pets.”

The new dog park features separate play areas for large and small dogs, seating for owners, water stations, natural elements, and fencing and surfacing. This makes it a safe, fun, and much-needed amenity for families and their canines across the county.

Knox County Parks & Recreation Senior Director Joseph Mack noted that collaboration made the project possible.

“This dog park is a great example of what can happen when our community comes together,” he said. “We’re proud of this space, and we know it’s going to be well-loved for years to come.”