KNOXVILLE - United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) and the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department, with support from the YWCA and Bike Walk Knoxville, are inviting East Knoxville residents to help shape the future of William Powell Park, known to longtime residents as Linden Park, through a community survey and a public meeting. Input will guide a new Master Design Plan.

The survey asks how people use the park today, what they value about it, and what changes could make it a more welcoming and active space for the neighborhood.

Neighbors are invited to a community listening session and meal on Tuesday, June 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the YWCA's Phyllis Wheatley Center, 124 S. Cruze Street. All are welcome to share a meal, visit design stations, and tell the planning team their favorite memories and hopes for the park.

Sheenan Lundy, who lived on Parkview Avenue as a child, remembers her brother walking her to meet friends at the park and enjoying the water slides. "Linden Park once was a safe haven and a fun environment for all," Lundy said. "I would love to see it restored and updated."

William Powell Park is a 2.12-acre neighborhood park in East Knoxville's Parkridge community (37917). The short, 10-minute survey asks about park access, how often residents visit, and ideas for improvement. Responses are confidential and will not be connected to individuals or households. The survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/8GVYPVJ and will remain open through July 31, 2026.

The project, "Our Park. Our Health. Our Community," is funded through a grant from the Tennessee Department of Health and is designed to gather community feedback that will inform future improvements at William Powell Park.

The YWCA and Bike Walk Knoxville are partners in this effort, lending their expertise and community connections to the planning process.