Knoxville Zoo has begun construction on what will be the largest splash pad in the Knoxville area. Plans are to debut the new 5,000 square foot Safari Splash water play area in late spring.

Located next to the zoo's Grasslands Africa! region, this safari-themed splash pad includes play areas designed for all ages, from toddlers to teens, and also features a play area where the whole family can get in on the fun. Vertical components are also a key part of the design, with life-sized giraffes that spout water when kids work together to direct the flow, water hoops and loops, team sprays that use cooperative play to send water several stories in the air and colorful giant flowers. Safari Splash will also have changing areas with storage and restrooms available for visitors' convenience.

"This is an experience that we've been anticipating bringing to our guests, and we're very excited it will be a reality this spring," says Jim Vlna, executive director of Knoxville Zoo. "We hope Safari Splash will make a visit to Knoxville Zoo even more enjoyable and provide guests with another way to cool off during the summer months."

Knoxville Zoo is Knoxville's largest year-round attraction. Located off exit 392A from Interstate 40, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Knoxville Zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop onehour before the zoo closes. Next-day admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331 or visit www.knoxvillezoo.org.

City of Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, City Council and the Greater Knoxville Tennis Association will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for West Hills Tennis Center on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at 2:00 p.m.

West Hills Park is located at 410 N Winston Rd., near the upper tennis courtsand West Side Family YMCA.

Mayor Madeline Rogero will lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the West Hills Tennis Center off of Winston Road. The 1,400-square-foot facility will serve as a clubhouse and feature both interior and exterior public restrooms.

City Council voted to enter a contract for the $370,000 project on January 24, 2012.

The City contributed $220,000 and the Greater Knoxville Tennis Association gave $150,000 to build the tennis facility.

This marks Phase II of a long-term plan to renovate the West Hills tennis courts.

Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim McIntyre, members of the Knox County Board of Education, and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett will break ground for a new elementary school located in the southwest sector of the county on Thursday, February 2 at 2 p.m. at 1889 Thunderhead Road (located in the Northshore Town Center).

The new 128,500 sq. ft. school will accommodate the current and projected population of school-aged children in this region of the county. It is scheduled to open in August of 2013 accommodating approximately 1,200 students.

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, along with Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim McIntyre, Knox County School Board members, Knox County Commissioners and other officials will formally break ground at the site of the new Carter Elementary School on Wednesday, Nov. 9.  The groundbreaking will be held at 3:15 p.m. at 8455 Strawberry Plains Pike, between McCubbins Rd. and S. Molly Bright Rd.

Parking is available adjacent to the groundbreaking site at Volunteer Steel.  Overflow parking and a shuttle to the groundbreaking will be available at the Carter Library/Senior Center and sports park, which are located at 9040 Asheville Highway, between Strawberry Plains Pike and Carter School Road.  Carpooling is encouraged.

For a Google Map to the groundbreaking site, visit http://g.co/maps/m93p8.

For more information contact Michael Grider at 865-215-4750.