KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville's Ijams Nature Center is more than just a playground — it's a legacy, and Saturday, Nov. 8, it will celebrate its 50th birthday.

On Nov. 8, 1975, the charter was signed to create Ijams Nature Center after the owners of the property passed away.

In 1910, H.P. and Alice Ijams moved their family onto 20 acres of land along the Tennessee River — allowing their four daughters to have plenty of room to play outside.

With nature trails for as far as the eye can see, Ijams Nature Center has long been a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

"My great-grandfather had initially built some ponds around homesite to make it safe for my grandmother and her sisters to swim," Anna Kerns said.

Anna's father, George, and his sister, Martha, lived on the property for numerous y

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