WHEN: 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025

WHERE: Tank Strickland Park, 4618 Asheville Highway, Knoxville

BACKGROUND: Knox County Parks and Recreation, the Community Action Committee (CAC), and Knox County Public Library are proud to announce the return of a cherished statue to Tank Strickland Park in East Knoxville. A public unveiling ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Tank Strickland Park, located next to the Burlington Branch Library on Asheville Highway.

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will join community members and local partners to celebrate the statue’s return.

The bronze statue, depicting two children reading on a bench, was a beloved fixture in the community since its donation by Town Hall East in 2010. After it was stolen last summer, the neighborhood came together with remarkable determination to bring it back.

In partnership with Knox County Public Library, new security cameras have been installed at the park to help keep the replacement statue safe.

Free ice cream will be served at the unveiling, and the Burlington Branch Library will host story time and children’s activities following the event.

All are invited to attend and celebrate this symbol of community pride and cooperation.

The scenic walking trail that loops Thomas “Tank” Strickland Park crosses a small creek and passes by two overlook points. Showcasing several innovative amenities, the park features an amphitheater with grass seating and a shade arbor, bronze children reading a book together on a park bench, and the county’s first bocce ball court. To play the game, check out a bocce ball set from the Burlington Branch Library next door.

The 1-acre park, located at 4618 Asheville Highway, is open from dawn to dusk.

Park Features

• amphitheater
• playground
• bocce ball court
• picnic tables (2)
• paved trail (.10 mi.)