Knoxville's Urban Streams

First Creek

The headwaters of First Creek start in Fountain City. The Creek runs South along Broadway up to Fulton high School and the Broadway Shopping Center. Flow a little east towards Bill Meyer Stadium, after which it empties into the Tennessee River.

First Creek, near Bill Meyer Stadium. A poorly designed fence obstructs the view and deters people from looking at the creek.

First Creek, near Bill Meyer Stadium. That the Creek is worth being noticed is proven here.

First Creek, near Bill Meyer Stadium. Doesn't it look like we rather get rid of it than enjoy it? No riparian vegetation could ever provide habitat for wildlife in this part.

First Creek, Broadway. A Greenway has rightfully been planned here by the Knoxville Greenways Committee. Earlier design plans have been laying in the drawer since the seventies!

First Creek, Broadway. Billboards and other unsightfull structures might have to be hidden a little better to realy enjoy the creek.

First Creek, Broadway. Trash floates around. Unfortunately no one notices. so nobody cares.

Tennessee River, near Island Homes Airport. But there is hope: eco-heroes clean up the riverbeds in their spare time. River rescues such as these, however scarsely supported, are a hopeful sign of environmental awareness.

Tennessee River, near Island Homes Airport. Riverrescues not only helps the river and its inhabitants, but gives you some exercise and peace as well.

Ten Reasons to Rescue the River:
1) you'll get of your couch and get outside
2) you'll get to places you normally wouldn't come
3) you will find unopened beercans, turtles, horse teeth, hairs, hairspray from 1972, and free tires for on your car!
4) you'll pay homage to the riverside, a place with special meaning, which gave the City of Knoxville it's place of birth.
5) you'll do something of common decency, which will give you a sense of fulfillment and belonging to your river and your City.
6) you meet people from all ages, 5 through 85.
7) you have a right to vent and point fingers, while picking up those things that make you so frustrated every day!
8) you'll experience an alienated sense of amazement with all we humans throw away
9) you'll learn that most of that comes from Hardees, Pilot and MacDonald's, Budweiser, Coca Cola and Sprite.
9) you'll learn that the Tennessee River is indeed a reservoir
10) you will go home feeling satisfied, having had a good day.

Return to the East Tennessee Headwaters Project page

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