South Knoxville Alliance

Green Light: Mary Vestal Park

The Greenway at Mary Vestal Park. (Courtesy of the City of Knoxville.)

Mary Vestal Park is designed around scenic Goose Creek in South Knoxville and is named after a member of the Vestal family. Early pioneers of South Knox industry, the Vestal family opened the first office of the Vestal Lumber Company in 1901. At its peak, the Vestal Lumber Company ran around the clock during World War II. The Navy used the wood from the company to build ships. The company also made gun stocks and crates as well, and was later awarded the Army-Navy E Flag for all of its contributions to the war effort. The area surrounding their operation became known as Vestal because of the company's presence there. In fact the area is still known as Vestal today, and Mary Vestal Park stands in homage to the family's contributions to the area. 

Mary Vestal Greenway follows Goose Creek throughout the park. South Knoxville Community Center is conveniently located across the street from the park, and seniors from the center walk Mary Vestal Greenway on a daily basis. The 13 acre park also offers a baseball field, playground, and picnic tables, along with a shelter that can be reserved for social gatherings. 

Additional Information:

Mary Vestal Park 
401 Maryville Pike 

Directions: Headed south on Henley Street, cross the Henley Street Bridge; turn right onto Blount Avenue; Blount Avenue turns into Maryville Pike; go approximately three miles; park is on the right.

Park Shelter: Reservations required, call 865-215-1413.

Posted Saturday, 07/26/2014, 11:03 AM -