Happy Monday, 865!

Today’s edition has a strong Knoxville community focus — from East Knoxville neighbors being invited to help shape William Powell Park’s future to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame bringing a national sports spotlight downtown this weekend.

We’re also watching practical updates in Oak Ridge, free health-access clinics from RAM, Smokies trail conditions after stormy weather, and a few weekend picks across Powell, Lenoir City, Zoo Knoxville, and beyond.

Whether you’re planning the week, tracking local changes, or looking for something meaningful to do nearby, we’ve got you covered.

What Knoxville landmark was once a marble quarry before becoming one of the city’s most popular outdoor recreation spots?

Knoxville takes center stage in women’s basketball this weekend as the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame hosts its Induction Ceremony at the Tennessee Theatre downtown on Saturday, June 27 at 5:45 p.m.

This year’s class features iconic names such as Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Amaya Valdemoro, Isabelle Fijalkowski, Cheryl Reeve, Kim Muhl, Doris Burke, and honors Barbara Kennedy-Dixon posthumously.

The event is more than a ceremony — it highlights Knoxville’s unique role as home of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the only institution of its kind devoted to the sport’s legacy at every level.

With visitors flocking downtown, this high-profile gathering celebrates the city’s proud connection to women’s basketball and offers a can’t-miss occasion for local fans and sports enthusiasts.

Planning Watch: What’s Next Knoxville? Gives Residents a Say in the City’s Future

Knoxville’s growth conversation is not just happening in headlines. Residents now have a public-input opportunity through What’s Next Knoxville?, the city’s comprehensive planning update.

The City of Knoxville and Knoxville-Knox County Planning are updating Knoxville’s Comprehensive Plan, a long-range guide that helps shape decisions about land use, transportation, housing, public investment, neighborhood priorities, and quality of life over the next 25 years.

That matters because many of the issues residents already talk about — where new housing should go, how corridors should redevelop, what streets need improvements, how neighborhoods change, and where public dollars should be focused — are planning questions.

For readers who followed our recent lead story on Knox County’s housing and land-use crunch, this is the next step: public input. What’s Next Knoxville? gives residents a way to weigh in before future growth decisions are made.

The best local takeaway is simple: if you care about housing, traffic, sidewalks, parks, redevelopment, neighborhood character, or how Knoxville grows, this is a planning process worth following.

 Regas Bros Seasoning

East Knoxville Neighbors Invited to Help Shape William Powell Park’s Future

East Knoxville residents have a chance to weigh in on the future of a neighborhood park in Parkridge.

United Way of Greater Knoxville and the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department are asking residents for feedback on William Powell Park, also known by longtime neighbors as Linden Park. The 2.12-acre park sits in the Parkridge community and currently includes a playground, shelter, basketball court, picnic tables, and open green space.

The city says the survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and will remain open through July 31. Questions focus on how people use the park, how easy it is to access, and what improvements neighbors would like to see in the future.

That makes this more than a routine survey. For residents who live near the park, use it with children, walk through the area, play basketball, attend gatherings, or want better public space in the neighborhood, this is a direct way to shape what comes next.

Neighborhood parks often play an outsized role in daily life. They give families a place to gather, kids a place to play, neighbors a place to meet, and communities a shared space that reflects local needs. In a growing city, smaller parks like William Powell Park can be just as important as larger regional destinations.

The local takeaway: if you live near Parkridge or have a connection to William Powell Park, this is the moment to speak up. Feedback collected now could help guide future conversations about access, amenities, safety, programming, and neighborhood priorities.

Oak Ridge Begins Annual Water System Flushing

Oak Ridge residents may notice water crews around the city over the next several weeks as the Public Works Department begins its annual water system flushing program.

The City of Oak Ridge says flushing begins Monday, June 22, and is expected to continue citywide for six to eight weeks. Crews will work Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The routine maintenance helps keep the water distribution system working properly. According to the city, flushing water lines helps maintain water quality, remove sediment from pipes, and support long-term system reliability.

Residents may notice temporary water discoloration while crews are working in their area. The city typically advises customers to let cold water run until it clears if discoloration occurs, and to avoid doing laundry with discolored water.

For Oak Ridge residents, this is a practical seasonal reminder rather than a major disruption. The work is part of regular utility maintenance and is meant to help keep the city’s water system clean and dependable.

Interesting Facts

RAM Free Telehealth Clinics Continue This Week in Knoxville, Sevier County, and Oak Ridge

Remote Area Medical is offering several free medical-only telehealth clinics around East Tennessee this week, giving residents another way to access basic care without traveling to a traditional doctor’s office.

RAM lists upcoming clinics at Care Cuts in Knoxville on Tuesday, June 23, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sevier Co. Food Ministries on Thursday, June 25, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Sustainable Future Center in Knoxville on Friday, June 26, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., and Grace Lutheran in Oak Ridge on Friday, June 26, from 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

For these telehealth clinics, patients still visit the clinic location in person. RAM’s setup connects them with a doctor remotely, with onsite support to help guide the visit. The clinics are designed for medical care only, not dental or vision services.

This is a practical health-access item for residents who may be uninsured, underinsured, between providers, or simply in need of a low-barrier way to ask about a medical concern. It may also be useful for older adults, caregivers, and families helping someone find basic care close to home.

RAM clinics are typically first-come, first-served, so readers should check RAM’s schedule before going and arrive early if possible.

Zoo Knoxville’s Summer Concert Series Continues Thursday with Pulp Friction

Zoo Knoxville is giving visitors another reason to stop by after regular daytime hours this week.

The zoo’s new Summer Concert Series continues Thursday, June 25, with Pulp Friction. Zoo Knoxville lists tickets at $15 after 4 p.m., while zoo members are admitted free. Evening zoo access is included after 4 p.m., making the event a flexible option for families, date nights, or anyone looking for a relaxed summer outing.

The concert series adds a different kind of zoo experience: visitors can enjoy animals and exhibits in the evening, then settle in for live music as the day cools down. It is a good fit for people who want something more casual than a full concert venue but more active than a standard dinner plan.

For families, the earlier zoo access makes it easy to turn the evening into a kid-friendly outing. For adults, it works as a low-pressure date night or group plan with music in a familiar local setting.

Readers should check Zoo Knoxville’s event page before heading out for final timing, weather updates, and any ticket details.

Blues & Brews on Broadway Brings Live Music to Downtown Lenoir City

Lenoir City has a strong Saturday evening pick this week with Blues & Brews on Broadway.

The downtown event is set for Saturday, June 27, from 6–9 p.m. on Depot Street, bringing live blues music, local craft beer, and a relaxed summer atmosphere to the heart of Lenoir City.

For Loudon County readers, this is an easy weekend outing close to home. It also works well for Knoxville-area readers looking for something outside the usual downtown Knoxville rotation. The setting gives visitors a chance to enjoy local music, walk around downtown, support nearby businesses, and make an evening of it.

The event’s simple appeal is its mix of music and community. Blues, brews, and a walkable downtown make it a good fit for a date night, small group outing, or casual Saturday plan.

Readers should check the event page before heading out for final details on parking, vendors, weather updates, and any age restrictions tied to beer service.

Powell Blackberry Festival and 5K Returns Saturday

The Third Annual Blackberry Festival and 5K returns to Powell on Saturday, June 27, bringing a family-friendly morning and afternoon of local food, vendors, games, music, and community activities.

The festival runs from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Powell Presbyterian Church, 2910 W. Emory Road. The day begins earlier with the 5K at 8 a.m., starting at Powell Middle School.

Organizers list food trucks, vendors, games, live music, and more as part of the event. Parking will be available at Powell Middle School and Powell High School, with shuttle service running to the festival.

It’s a good weekend pick for Powell, North Knox, and families looking for a local summer event close to home.

Quote Of The Day

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
— Coretta Scott King

Tucked in the Little Greenbrier area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Walker Sisters' story offers a unique glimpse into the region’s past.

Margaret, Polly, Martha, Louisa, and Hettie Walker lived a self-sufficient life on their mountain homestead well into the 20th century as modern life transformed East Tennessee.

Despite the creation of the national park and the departure of most residents, the sisters refused to leave and secured a lifetime lease on their home.

Today, visitors can hike a 3.4-mile roundtrip from Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area to the historic homesite, schoolhouse, and preserved cabin, recently renovated for public access.

The Walker Sisters’ resilience and devotion to Little Greenbrier endure as a testament to mountain heritage, connecting today’s visitors with the deep human roots of the Smokies.

Smokies Trail Closures Remain Important After Stormy Weather

Hikers heading into Great Smoky Mountains National Park should check current trail conditions before making plans this week, especially after stormy weather.

The park continues to list several active trail closures and cautions. Gunter Fork Trail and Swallow Fork Trail are closed because of significant damage, while Bullhead Trail remains closed Monday through Thursday each week through Nov. 19, excluding federal holidays, for rehabilitation work.

That matters because Smokies conditions can change quickly. Heavy rain can bring down trees, wash out sections of trail, raise creek levels, and make already-damaged routes more dangerous. A trail that looked manageable on a map may not be a good choice after storms.

For day hikers, the practical advice is simple: check the National Park Service closure page before leaving home, choose a backup route, and avoid pushing into closed or heavily damaged areas. Visitors should also be prepared for mud, slick rocks, creek crossings, and limited cell service.

The Smokies are still full of good hiking options, but planning ahead is especially important when weather has been active. A quick conditions check can save time, prevent a wasted drive, and help keep hikers safe.

Blount County Dining: The Chop House Opens in Alcoa

Blount County has a new sit-down dining option with The Chop House now open in Alcoa

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The restaurant adds another choice for diners near Maryville, Alcoa, and McGhee Tyson Airport, with a menu centered on steaks, seafood, chops, burgers, salads, and classic American entrees.

For local residents, the opening gives Blount County another full-service restaurant option for date nights, family meals, business lunches, or a stop before or after airport travel.

Oak Ridge Watch: Road Resurfacing Work Begins This Week

Oak Ridge residents should watch for road improvement and resurfacing projects beginning this week.

The city has roadwork scheduled to start June 22 and June 23, with crews working on resurfacing and related improvements. During the work, no on-street parking will be permitted in affected areas.

This is a practical neighborhood-change item for Oak Ridge readers, especially when paired with the city’s annual water system flushing that also begins this week. Between road resurfacing and utility maintenance, residents may notice more crews, temporary access changes, and short-term disruptions around town.

Drivers should pay attention to posted signs, avoid parking on streets marked for work, and allow extra time if traveling through affected areas.

Paddles, Skills, and Adaptive Adventures Coming Up

Outdoor-minded readers have several good ways to get outside around East Tennessee, from evening paddles on the Tennessee River to beginner outdoor-skills training and adaptive recreation in the Smokies.

Ijams Nature Center has two strong options this week for people who want something a little more active than a casual walk.

The first is Evening Paddle, with guided paddle programs listed for Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. from Ijams River Landing. The two-hour outing explores the Tennessee River around sunset and after dark, with naturalists sharing information about plants, wildlife, geology, and the night sky. It is a good pick for paddlers who want a guided river experience with a quieter evening feel.

Ijams also has Wilderness Basics: Beginner Outdoor Skills scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 3–6 p.m. at Ijams Nature Center. This class is a good fit for newer hikers, campers, or outdoor enthusiasts who want to build confidence before heading deeper into the woods. Programs like this can help readers learn practical skills before tackling more remote trails or overnight trips.

For readers looking ahead, Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s adaptive outdoor programming continues this summer with ranger-led experiences for visitors with limited mobility and their families. The next listed program is a July 11 bike outing on Deep Creek and Indian Creek trails in North Carolina. Later programs include a Cades Cove bike ride, an overnight backcountry camping trip, and a Porter’s Creek Trail hike.

There is also a recurring outdoor-community option at Mead’s Quarry. Big Fun Tuesdays at Ijams bring together mountain bike social rides, kayak and paddleboard rentals, swimming, music, and nature activities. It is less of a class and more of a summer gathering point for people who like the quarry, trails, and water.

The local takeaway: East Tennessee’s outdoor scene is not just about hiking on your own. Guided paddles, skills classes, adaptive programs, and recurring outdoor meetups give residents more ways to learn, connect, and explore safely.

John T. O’Connor Senior Center Offers a Daily Hub for Older Adults

Knoxville seniors looking for regular activities, classes, and community connection have a strong local resource at the John T. O’Connor Senior Center.

The center offers a full daily schedule for older adults, with programs that include physical fitness, recreational games, educational programs, arts and crafts, music, clubs, health services, and community resource events. CAC Office on Aging describes the center as a place where multiple activities are often happening at the same time, giving visitors a range of options depending on their interests and needs.

For older adults, that variety matters. Some people may be looking for movement and wellness activities, while others may want games, music, creative classes, or simply a place to stay socially connected during the week.

For caregivers and family members, the center can also be a helpful starting point when looking for low-barrier ways to help an older loved one build routine, meet others, and stay engaged.

Three Local Resources for Older Adults Around the 865

Older adults and caregivers across the 865 have several local resources to keep in mind this summer, from Knoxville activity centers to Oak Ridge programming and Loudon County senior services.

In Knoxville, the city’s senior centers offer no-fee daily activities for older adults, including options such as hiking clubs, field trips, blood pressure checks, cards, billiards, aerobics, dance, basketweaving, and more. For seniors looking for a low-barrier way to stay active and social, city senior centers can be a useful place to start.

In Oak Ridge, the Senior Center’s June calendar includes specialty programming such as a cell phone photography class through the Oak Ridge Camera Club, along with regular center hours throughout the week. The calendar also notes that lunch service is unavailable until further notice and directs residents to contact ETHRA for more information. That makes the calendar worth checking before planning a visit.

In Loudon County, the Office on Aging and Senior Center serves residents age 60 and older with a wide mix of programs, including dancing, day trips, shopping outings, fitness programs, health screenings, educational programs, cards and games, luncheons, volunteer opportunities, billiards, painting classes, and computer classes. For Loudon County families and caregivers, it is a practical local hub for connection, activity, and support.

The larger takeaway: senior resources are not one-size-fits-all. Some residents may want fitness or field trips, others may need health checks, creative classes, social activities, or help finding local services. Checking nearby senior centers by county or city is a good first step.

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Ijams Nature Center / Mead’s Quarry

Thanks for reading 865 Daily.

We’ll keep bringing you useful local updates from greater Knoxville and East Tennessee — from weekend events and outdoor ideas to road reminders, new openings, community news, and the small details that make life here easier to navigate. 

Have a great week, and we’ll see you in the next edition.