Spring Place Park

Wander the Trails

A neat 0.3-mile paved greenway loop circles around the playground and shelter area at Spring Place Park. Native trees line the path, creating welcome shade on sunny days and adding a touch of natural beauty to your stroll.

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, there's also a crushed limestone trail that winds through wooded areas alongside Loves Creek. This more natural path stretches about 0.65 miles and offers a quieter, more immersive experience among the trees.

The Famous Spring

Perhaps the most unique feature of this park is its natural spring. Many visitors come to collect the water, filling up jugs to take home for drinking, aquariums, or watering plants. The spring water is regularly tested and is known for its distinctive taste.

It's become something of a gathering spot too - a place where neighbors chat while filling their containers, creating a little community around this natural resource.

Creek Explorations

When the weather warms up, Loves Creek becomes a natural playground. Kids often search for crawfish and tadpoles in the shallow waters - an impromptu nature experience in the middle of Knoxville.

The creek is popular for catch-and-release crawfish fishing, an activity enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

Places to Play and Relax

The playground features swings and slides primarily made of plastic rather than metal - a thoughtful touch that means no scorching hot surfaces in summer or freezing cold ones in winter.

Need a spot for lunch? A covered shelter with picnic tables sits near the parking area, ideal for family gatherings or birthday celebrations. You'll also find additional picnic tables scattered across the park when you just want to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

Connected Greenways

Spring Place Park acts as the trailhead for the Loves Creek Greenway, which has plans to eventually link up with New Harvest Park, passing the former Knoxville Center mall area. When completed, this will create a more extensive network of paths through East Knoxville.

Environmental Care

In 2024, Knox County hosted a Creekbank Protection and Repair Workshop here, focusing on improving riparian cover and preventing streambank erosion along Loves Creek. It's nice to see this kind of environmental stewardship happening to preserve the natural beauty of the park.

A Touch of History

Did you know this peaceful spot was once home to a grist mill dating back to the late 1800s? This historical connection adds an interesting layer to the park's story and ties it to the area's past.

Bring Your Pup

Spring Place Park welcomes leashed dogs, making it suitable for a walk with your four-legged friend. The trails provide just enough distance for a satisfying outing without being overwhelming.