PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (March 20, 2013) – The first phase of Pigeon Forge’s 118-acre Wear Farm City Park will open Friday (March 22) with popcorn, hot dogs, old-time games and fireworks.
A grand opening celebration will be from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The park is approximately a half-mile off the Parkway at 623 Wears Valley Road.
The park’s first phase uses 40 acres and includes five lighted softball/baseball fields, a lighted football field, a playground, two shelters, a basketball court, two concession stand/restroom buildings and walking trails.
“Wear Farm City Park is an extraordinary addition to the life of Pigeon Forge, both for residents and visitors,” said John Wilbanks, director of the city’s parks and recreation department.
Opening festivities will start with comments from Mayor David Wear, City Manager Earlene Teaster, state Sen. Doug Overbey and state Rep. Dale Carr at the football field.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony follows at the baseball complex, which will lead to a special fireworks display.
Guests will receive t-shirts and commemorative gifts, and hot dogs, chips and cupcakes will be served.
In keeping with the sports theme, a variety of old-time games will be available. They include sack races, pin the tail on the donkey, corncob darts and corn hole.
“We’re going to be busy. The park already has booked softball and baseball tournaments for most weekends through July, which will bring overnight visitors to town, and I think residents will quickly add the park’s walking trails to their list of accessible exercise locations,” Wilbanks said.
Wilbanks cited several organizations that have been instrumental in development of the park.
Among them are the Local Park and Recreation Fund of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry and the Forever Parks Foundation.
“The Forever Parks Foundation is a local support group for Pigeon Forge’s parks, and the efforts of its members are invaluable. They’re already working toward a second playground at Wear Farm City Park. It is wonderful to see such dedicated volunteers,” Wilbanks said.
Development ideas for the remaining acreage remain under discussion.
Wear Farm Park complements City Park on Community Center Drive. City Park’s pavilion, playground and six tennis courts were recently renovated.
Tom Adkinson, APR
615-341-8796