Karns Senior Center opens
By Mike Steely
steelym@knoxfocus.com
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and County Commission Chairman Brad Anders spoke at the ribbon cutting to open the Karns Senior Center Friday. Burchett said the need and push for the county’s sixth senior center, especially for the Karns Community, has been a multi-year effort by Anders and others.
Several county commissioners and elected officials joined the crowd of Karns senior citizens registering for the center. The ribbon was cut and the 8,000 square foot center opened. Even after the 10 a.m. dedication seniors continued to appear to tour the center.
The Karns facility is managed by Darrell Gooding and Robyn Bozeman Trostle. The center has a large event room that can be divided into three sections, a pool and game room, a computer room and several smaller meeting rooms, plus a first for a Knoxville senior center – an outside kitchen.
The center also has a large exercise room with equipment donated by Covenant Health.
Various activities and events are planned for the center. For instance, in August, there will be a couple of blood pressure screenings, exercise classes, early morning walkers, Zumba, Bridge, etc.
The Karns Center is located at 8032 Oak Ridge Highway and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 until 4 p.m. Anyone wanting more information can call (865) 951-2653.
