September 2026

ENVISIONING, INSPIRING, AND IMPROVING EAST TENNESSEE THROUGH DESIGN

Dear Friends,

This month’s newsletter celebrates the people and partnerships that transform thoughtful ideas into lasting community impact.

We’re proud to highlight the French Broad Veterans Memorial Park and our longstanding partnership with Legacy Parks Foundation—an inspiring example of how early vision, professional design expertise, and committed follow-through can create meaningful public spaces. You’ll also meet board member and volunteer Kristin Colwell, whose generous service reminds us that ETCDC’s work is only possible because talented people choose to share their time and skills.

Finally, we hope you’ll join us for the 2026 Celebration of Design as we honor L. Duane Grieve and Shora Foundation, celebrate another year of community-centered design, and recognize the many people helping to envision, inspire, and improve East Tennessee.

With gratitude,

Each month, this Project Updates section will highlight news pertaining to a current or recent ETCDC project.

This month, we are highlighting the French Broad Veterans Memorial Park, an 8.5 acre park overlooking the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

Project Background

In 2019, Legacy Parks approached ETCDC seeking a conceptual design for a new park on an undeveloped plot of land overlooking the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery across the French Broad River. Although as many as three burial services take place in the Cemetery daily, there was no suitable space in the area for mourners to gather and reflect. French Broad Veterans Memorial Park was conceptualized as a space to meet this need: a peaceful setting in which families, friends, and veterans can gather to remember, honor, and celebrate those who have served.

Aerial view of FBVMP site prior to construction, overlooking the East TN Veterans Cemetery (right)

ETCDC connected Legacy Parks to our professional volunteer Nathan Hunter, PLA (Arcadis; formerly IBI Placemaking). Using feedback received during programming meetings with various veterans organizations, Nathan developed a conceptual masterplan for the park that included:

• Covered pavilion
• Memorial plaza with flags and monument
• Parking
• Overlook area
• Walking trails

Conceptual master plan (Nathan Hunter, PLA)

French Broad Veterans Memorial Park Today

Using this preliminary conceptual design plan, Legacy Parks was then able to begin fundraising for the park's construction, reaching its $1.7 million goal in 2023. Construction began that same year, and the park opened to the public in May of 2025.

The final design and construction documents were produced by Barber McMurry Architects and Hedstrom Landscape Architecture, with construction by Hickory Construction. This final design includes many of the same features as the initial conceptual design plan, including a covered pavilion, memorial walk, scenic overlook, and nature trail.

Entry sign off of John Sevier Highway (left); dedication and memorial (right) (photos courtesy of Legacy Parks)

While the main pavilion, plaza, flag court, and parking areas are complete, some amenities still require additional work. Legacy Parks is actively collecting donations to fund the remaining work needed for:

• Memorial walk paving and memorials
• Overlook construction
• Completion of the nature trail

New pavilion and memorial plaza (photo courtesy of Legacy Parks)

Community Impact

There are approximately 26,000 veterans living in Knox County, and social isolation remains a significant concern within the veteran community. According to the Wounded Warrior Project, 68% of U.S. veterans report struggling with loneliness compared to 20% of the general population. Because strong social connections play an important role in reducing loneliness and supporting overall health and wellbeing, spaces that are designed to encourage people to gather and spend time together have a meaningful community impact.

French Broad Veterans Memorial Park helps meet this need for social connection by creating a civic space where remembrance, connection, and everyday use can coexist. Its pavilion and memorial plaza provide a setting for ceremonies, gatherings, and shared reflection, while the walking trails and planned overlook encourage visitors to use the park beyond formal events. Together, these amenities create a lasting public resource that honors veterans while offering veterans, their families, and the broader community a welcoming place to gather, reflect, and connect.

Project Videos

The French Broad Veterans Memorial Park was featured in our Behind the Design video series! Click on the videos below for a behind-the-scenes look at how the project evolved from conception (video 1) to construction (video 2).

Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Barber McMurry.

I’m a Knoxville native (born and raised), UTK grad, wife to Ben & mom to 18 month old Archer. I am an Interior Designer and Project Manager at Barber McMurry.

How did you first become involved with the East Tennessee Community Design Center, and what inspired you to serve on the board?

I first became involved with the design center by volunteering with my co-workers for the annual celebration and then joined the Design Works Committee. Although I grew up in Knoxville, I realized there’s so many facets to my hometown I never knew about. I was looking for a way to be more involved in the community.

The Design Center board allows me to learn about multiple non-profit groups throughout East TN and learn more about what makes up our local community and have a small hand in supporting those organizations.

You’re also co-chairing the silent auction for this year’s Celebration of Design. What made you want to take on that role?

When joining a board, I wanted to lend my skills however I can to be of the most service to the board. Being apart of the Celebration and the art auction in particular takes a lot of dedicated planning and organization. One of the skills of a designer is to keep project tasks moving and organized, and those skills tend to cross over well into event planning! Also, the Celebration is such an amazing fun event each year. It’s a real treat to be apart of the team that makes that night successful.

What goes into putting together the silent auction that guests might not see behind the scenes?

Reaching out to many people for donations and relying on any contacts others might have. My mom always told me it’s not about what you know but who you know  And that’s never been truer than when we come together for fundraising events! But seriously, we’re so so grateful for all the donations we receive! We wouldn’t have a successful event without the generosity of so many others!

Is there anything you’re especially excited about for this year’s Celebration of Design or the silent auction?

There are many things!! One in particular is the event being at the KMA! It’s such a beautiful space where we get to showcase some local artists.

How has your professional experience at Barber McMurry influenced the way you approach volunteering and serving ETCDC?

Through my professional experience, I’ve learned a lot about myself; my passions, my strengths, and how to best support a team. As I mentioned earlier, I want to lend whatever skills I have that could best fit the needs of the board. That approach to volunteering looks like being a team player and support in whatever way possible. 

What would you say to someone who is considering getting involved with ETCDC—as a volunteer, supporter, or event attendee?

REACH OUT!!! We couldn’t do what we do without an amazing TEAM of people. If you’re interested or have any questions, reach out to figure out how you can plug in to support the design center.

Interested in getting involved? Start by completing ETCDC's Volunteer Interest Form. Once submitted, a staff member will follow up to learn more about your skills and interest areas for volunteer service.

Legacy Parks Foundation has spent more than two decades expanding and improving access to outdoor spaces throughout East Tennessee. Their work focuses on conserving natural resources, creating public spaces, and helping people connect with the outdoors. Through partnerships with local governments, organizations, donors, and community members, Legacy Parks has helped protect land, expand regional trail systems, and turn new ideas for outdoor recreation into lasting public amenities.

The Beaver Creek Flotilla in May 2022

Accessible kayak launch and dock along Beaver Creek Water Trail

Legacy Parks has also been one of ETCDC’s most consistent repeat clients. Over the years, the two organizations have collaborated on projects including Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, Collier Preserve, Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park, the Beaver Creek Water Trail, and French Broad Veterans Memorial Park. ETCDC’s role often comes early in the process, helping Legacy Parks explore possibilities, connect with professional volunteer expertise, and develop conceptual plans that establish a clear direction for a project.

What makes the partnership especially rewarding is the follow-through that comes after ETCDC’s involvement. Legacy Parks has repeatedly used that early planning as a foundation for fundraising, additional design work, partnerships, and construction, with many collaborative projects ultimately becoming completed spaces that serve the public. That ability to carry a vision from concept to implementation makes Legacy Parks a valuable partner for ETCDC and an important force in creating accessible, thoughtful outdoor spaces throughout East Tennessee.

As ETCDC's largest annual event and sole fundraiser, the Celebration of Design provides a fantastic opportunity for local design professionals, businesses, and community members to form new connections, meet others involved in East Tennessee's design community, and learn about ETCDC's work over the past year.

We're excited to formally announce the recipients of our 2026 Community Awards, which will be presented during the Celebration of Design. Please join us in honoring their accomplishments and their work towards improving East Tennessee.

2026 Celebration Honorees

Bruce McCarty Community Impact Award


L. Duane Grieve, FAIA

His enduring commitment to collaboration and community exemplifies the spirit of the Bruce McCarty Community Impact Award.

Annette Anderson Directors' Award


Shora Foundation

Tickets and sponsorship packages are still available! Click the button below to go to our Celebration homepage, where you can view all official event information, learn more about specific sponsorship packages and the exciting new benefits available, and buy your tickets or register as a sponsor.

Call for Volunteers

Our Celebration volunteers play a critical role in ensuring a smooth and successful event. This is a great opportunity for both new and returning volunteers--no design experience required!

Each event volunteer receives a free ticket to attend the Celebration. For more information and to sign up for a volunteer shift, click the button below!

For individuals with disability accommodation requests, please get in touch with the ETCDC office at 865.525.9945.