News Summary
Grayson Subaru has generously donated over $46,000 to Ijams Nature Center, funding Phase 2 of its property development. The donation highlights ongoing support for outdoor education and recreation, enhancing facilities for children’s engagement with nature. Plans include a new nature playscape and expanded swim areas, fostering environmental stewardship in the local community.
Knoxville: Grayson Subaru Donates Over $46,000 to Ijams Nature Center
Grayson Subaru has presented a generous donation of over $46,000 to Ijams Nature Center, aiding the funding for Phase 2 of the center’s property development. The check was unveiled during the Subaru Share the Love Event, held on Thursday at the Ijams Visitor Center. This contribution signifies the continuous support Grayson Subaru has shown towards Ijams, including a previous donation that facilitated the purchase of nearly 14 acres of land, now designated as the Grayson Subaru Preserve.
The funds from the latest donation will primarily support the development plans for Phase 2, which include a state-of-the-art nature playscape located adjacent to the existing playscape. This planned playscape will offer new opportunities for children to engage with nature through activities such as hill climbing and discovering quiet, serene spaces referred to as “forest rooms.” Additionally, the upland area will expand the swim area at Mead’s Quarry, enhancing recreational options for visitors.
Grayson Subaru’s dedication to the local community is evident as it commemorates over 40 years of service and support. The sales manager at Grayson Subaru highlighted the pride the team feels in being part of an initiative that positively impacts children’s outdoor activities and experiences.
Ijams Nature Center’s CEO emphasized the goal of the development project to create engaging outdoor experiences that foster a love for nature among children and families. The overall objective of Ijams is to connect more individuals with the natural world, encouraging better environmental stewardship as a result.
Located at 2915 Island Home Ave in Knoxville, Ijams aims to cultivate a nurturing environment for outdoor exploration. The community is invited to attend an informational event on December 11 from 1 PM to 3 PM, where details about membership, volunteering opportunities, and upcoming programs will be discussed.
The current nature playscape spans approximately 14 acres, with six acres already developed using natural materials sourced from the site, giving it a unique character not commonly found in other facilities nationwide. Recently, Ijams celebrated the successful reopening of the River Trail on November 1, following restoration efforts funded by a private donor along with a grant from the City of Knoxville.
As part of ongoing initiatives, Ijams has undertaken a redesign of the “universal pond,” aiming to create a thriving habitat for native wildlife. Additionally, the organization has introduced the Native Landscape Certification program, which educates homeowners on the importance and benefits of using native plants in landscaping.
Ijams is actively working to improve accessibility, ensuring that trails accommodate individuals of all ability levels. Enhancements around Mead’s Quarry have been implemented to facilitate safer sunbathing and swimming areas for visitors. Plans for 2023 will also address overflow parking and safety concerns around the visitor center.
Throughout the year, Ijams provides a diverse range of programming that encourages community involvement and promotes outdoor activities. The center makes an effort to keep the community informed about new programs and initiatives through regular newsletters and active social media engagement.
Overall, Ijams Nature Center continues to evolve and adapt, focusing on engaging the community while enhancing the natural environment, as evidenced by recent developments and ongoing projects.
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Construction on Phase 2 of Ijams Nature Playscape Begins
- Wikipedia: Ijams Nature Center
- Inside of Knoxville: Ijams Nature Center Has Great Year, Big Plans
- Google Search: Ijams Nature Center
- Knox News: Ijams Nature Playscape for Kids in Knoxville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ijams Nature Center
