MOUNT VERNON – The 16 members of Leadership Knox Class of 2015, along with other volunteers, have worked with the Knox County Parks department for the last nine months to help build a bridge for the footpath at Honey Run Highlands Park. They unveiled their project on Tuesday, May 21, at their graduation ceremony at The Apple Valley Club House.
Specific aspects of the project included construction of a foot path bridge to cross one of the many creeks. The class met over several weeks to work on the project. Lumber was delivered to the site and then carried from the parking lot to the bridge site. Under the supervision of Gordon Laymon the class completed the deck of the bridge. Within minutes of completion the bridge was in use by several people visiting the trail.
“Our class really felt it was important to take on a project that would have an impact countywide. The bridge will be a great asset to the park, and it will make the trail easier to navigate, affecting many local families and those beyond,” explained Jeff Scott of Knox Community Hospital. “Our project will enhance the ability of Knox County residents and visitors to engage in healthy outdoor activities and camaraderie. We believe that this project will promote several key goals among the agencies our class represents: promotion of healthy physical activity which aids in the fight against obesity and mental health issues, beautification of Knox County, engagement with the community and family togetherness.”
With this in mind, participants examined a variety of projects throughout the county and made a final proposal to the Chamber board in December. The class underwent all of the planning, scheduling, assigning of specific tasks and execution of the project as a team. In addition, the class met monthly since August to learn more about different aspects of life and leadership in Knox County—from health care and agriculture, to education and volunteerism.
QUOTE FROM CLASS MEMBER – WHAT IT MEANT TO YOU
“The contributions of these class members show their commitment to the future of our community and to ensuring that Honey Run Highland Park remains a vibrant park to those visiting Knox County,” said Jon Jones owner at Heartland Promotional Products. “Recognizing this and taking action to complete this project is the very definition of leadership. The work of this group will benefit our community for years to come.”
