Something is happening at Melton Hill Park
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
Atop the hill overlooking the waterfront at Knox County’s Melton Hill Park are several pieces of new playground equipment waiting to be installed. It seems sort of lonely to see all those playthings not yet being used yet.
The Focus asked Knox County Commission Chairwoman Terry Hill, who represents the area inside District 6, what’s going on there.
“The plan is to have it ready to go (by) May 1st. There is some concrete that needs to be done at both Melton Hill and (the) weather has to cooperate for several days,” Hill said.
Melton Hill Park is a 112-acre county park on the Clinch River with two boat ramps, a fishing pier, a sandy beach and a swimming area. There’s also a picnic pavilion and a sand volleyball court. It may well be the most distant park in the county system with lots of trails, wildflowers, paddling and cycling, lots of back roads and easy and more difficult hiking areas.
The park is said to be ideal for bird watching. The nature trail is about three miles long and the park is open from dawn to dusk every day.
On April 26 until April 28, Melton Hill Park will be the site of the “Camporee on The Hill” hosted by the Knox County Parks and Recreation Department. Promoted as an “immersive camping experience” it will feature interactive nature programs for all ages, a sunset movie, local band campfire jams, water sports rentals and beautiful scenic views.
The free event offers a select number of primitive tent and group sites, designed to accommodate up to six people or group sites for up to 12 individuals. Reservations for the Camporee and programmed events need to be made a week before the event. Check-ins are Friday, April 26 after 4 p.m. and pets on leash are welcome. An onsite bathhouse offers showers and restrooms but the campsites do not include electric or water hookups. The event is open to Knox County residents only.
The easiest way to find the park is to take the Hardin Valley exit on Pelllissippi Parkway and turn left. Go 2.1 miles west and turn right onto Steele Road. Take the 1st left onto Sam Lee Rd and stay straight onto Couch Mill Rd. Stay right onto Williams Bend Road which will dead end at the park.
You can also find out more about the park on the internet or call the parks department at (865)215-6600.
