Episode 7: Legacy Parks: Cultivating Community through Conservation and Connection

What if the key to your city's economic growth was hidden in its greenways and riverbanks? In this episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, you'll discover how a small but mighty nonprofit is transforming the East Tennessee landscape, turning natural assets into powerful drivers for workforce development and community livability. Carol Evans, Executive Director of the Legacy Parks Foundation, shares the organization's journey from a startup in a donated office to a regional leader in park development and land conservation. She defines her unique concept of community "connectedness" across literal, visual, economic, and emotional dimensions, explaining why businesses are now prioritizing quality of life as their top recruitment tool. From the ambitious "Knoxville to the Smokies" greenway vision to the grassroots energy of the Powell community's Beaver Creek project, Carol reveals how strategic partnerships—including a surprising collaboration with the Department of Energy—are making outdoor recreation accessible to everyone. Listen now to learn how Legacy Parks is building a lasting regional identity through the simple yet profound act of connecting people to the land.