Knox County Commissioner Dave Wright and Knox County Parks and Recreation Director Doug Bataille met with other community partners at Mascot Park to thank EXEDY America Corporation and First Choice Community Credit Union for their donation of two basketball goals at the park. Photo by Dan Andrews.

On Tuesday, Knox County Commissioner Dave Wright and Knox County Parks and Recreation Director Doug Bataille met with other community partners at Mascot Park to thank EXEDY America Corporation and First Choice Community Credit Union for their donation of two basketball goals at the park. These goals are part of the only all-age access basketball court in Knox County, which make it easier for kids of all heights and sizes to get out and exercise.
“On behalf of EXEDY America Corporation we hope that our contribution will benefit all surrounding families who have allowed us to continue to do business in this community for over 18 years,” said Human Resources Assistant Manager Ben Metz.
“We are so happy to have been involved in the Mascot park project this year and pleased to have donated the basketball goal to the community of Mascot,” said FCCCU Chief Executive Officer Mike Hayes. “As a community credit union we strive to help our communities be a better place to raise our children and also be proactive in their health and safety.”
Mascot was named one of the Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities target areas by the Knox County Health Department. For over two years, Mascot has received support and encouragement to improve the overall health of its community by eating healthier, creating better places for play and becoming more active. The issue of limited resources for recreation and exercise was addressed with a new park plan from the East Tennessee Community Design Center after meeting with the Greater Mascot Area Community Group.
Along with the donations from EXEDY America Corporation and First Choice Community Credit Union, other groups involved in the park improvements include: Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities, Knoxville Area Coalition on Childhood Obesity, East TN Children’s Hospital, East Knox County Elementary School, East Tennessee Community Design Center, Greater Mascot Area Community Group, Girl Scout Troop 20553, Knox County Health Department, Knox County Sheriff and Knox County Parks and Recreation.