The best parks & outdoor spots in Knoxville

4 parks & outdoor spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Parks & Outdoors · 4 places · showing the latest additions first

Sandy Springs Park

Parks & Outdoors

Sandy Springs Park nails that get-outside itch with a 1.7-mile walking trail, lit tennis and basketball courts, three playgrounds, and…

702 Best St (Maryville)

“7-mile walking trail, lit tennis and basketball courts, three playgrounds, and enough picnic tables and grills to fuel a full Saturday. Bonus for sports folks, it hosts the Smoky Mountain Classic Softball Tournament each July.”

From the Maryville newsletter, September 11, 2026

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New Harvest Park

Parks & Outdoors

When you need a low-key reset, New Harvest Park delivers with a kid-approved splash pad and playground, plus the open-air, producer-only…

4775 New Harvest Ln · ✓ checked Jul 31

“When you need a low-key reset, New Harvest Park delivers with a kid-approved splash pad and playground, plus the open-air, producer-only New Harvest Farmers Market for just-picked produce, breads, flowers, and more. Knock out errands, snag dinner ingredients, let the energy burn off... everybody wins.”

From the Knoxville newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Carl Cowan Park

Parks & Outdoors

Tap the splash pad with the kids, run the short riverside loop, cast a line, or snag a friendly pickup on the courts. Carl Cowan Park packs…

10058 S Northshore Dr

“Tap the splash pad with the kids, run the short riverside loop, cast a line, or snag a friendly pickup on the courts. Carl Cowan Park packs soccer fields, tennis and basketball, easy Tennessee River access, and a woodsy trail over to Admiral Farragut when you want more wandering.”

From the Knoxville newsletter, September 17, 2026

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World's Fair Park

Parks & Outdoors

Cool off at the splash pads (open through mid-October), then wander the Performance Lawn or grab those skyline vibes from the Sunsphere.…

963 Worlds Fair Park Dr · ✓ checked Aug 14

“Cool off at the splash pads (open through mid-October), then wander the Performance Lawn or grab those skyline vibes from the Sunsphere. World's Fair Park keeps the calendar busy, so pencil in the Knox Asian Festival on August 29 and make it a low-key perfect day.”

From the Knoxville newsletter, August 20, 2026

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