Arnold and Malicote keeping Papaw Bower’s legacy alive

Developers Chris Arnold and Mike Malicote of Thunder Mountain to develop nearly 400 acre project

By Jim Freeman

KNOXVILLE, TN (WLAF) – Childhood memories abound for Chris Arnold in a special area of South Knoxville. It’s those memories, especially of his grandparents, in particular his grandfather, that have driven the La Follette man to further cement his family legacy in the community around Bower Field. If you’ve ever driven Chapman Highway, you’ve likely seen the ballpark that sits up snug to the busy four lane road.

Left to right are Joe Mack, Senior Director of Parks and Recreation, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Commissioner Carson Dailey and Chris Arnold and Mike Mailcote with Thunder Mountain.

His late mother, Rosalind Bower Arnold, grew up in the neighborhood that is so dear to Chris. “I spent every weekend and all summer long at my grandparents, Mamaw and Papaw Bower, during my growing up years,” said Chris. It’s his grandfather, who did so much good for the community, Benjamin Alleman Bower, who inspired Chris to gift 108 acres during a Monday morning ceremony not far from Bower Field.

“Legacy Parks Foundation either purchases land or, like today, receives a donation and then turns it over to the county. I’d like to thank Carol Evans and her team. This is a beautiful piece of property,” said Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.

“This is very special for me for Chris, because of his grandfather’s legacy in this area and what he’s (Ben Bower) done for the good of the community,” said Mike Malicote. He adds, “We’re just trying to be good stewards of the community and help the children.”

Currently, Arnold and Malicote own Bower Field and lease it to Knox County. The men purchased nearly 400 acres close to the ball field as Malicote saw Arnold’s vision. About three years ago is when talks with Knox County officials began as Arnold and Malicote shared the vision.

“We have a mayor (Glenn Jacobs) who prioritizes recreation ensuring we have recreational areas, and that they are maintained,” Joe Mack.

The 108 acre gift goes to Legacy Parks Foundation which will in turn give it to Knox County Parks and Recreation for additional facilities for South Knoxville. “This is a very exciting day with this major announcement regarding Bower Field. Days like today are not possible without great partners,” said Joe Mack, Senior Director of Parks and Recreation.

“Parks are fun. However, they are also healthy for individuals and communities,” said Carol Evans, Executive Director of Legacy Parks Foundation.

“This is quite the project. It’ll be about an eight to 12 year undertaking. There’ll be residential development to businesses and more across the other acreage,” said Chris Arnold. For some time to come, Bower Field will stay in place and open for the more than 500 youngsters who yearly use the facility.

“Today is the start of a bigger, better and safer Bower Park,” said Knox County Commissioner Carson Dailey.

“Safety is a top priority,” said Knox County Commissioner Carson Dailey, who represents the district and helped push for the project. Now parents have to park across Chapman Highway from Bower Field and walk across the bustling road, according to Dailey. “Recently, a truck jumped the guardrail and ran across Bower Field. Luckily, no one was around,” said Dailey. The new Bower Park will be a good safe distance from Chapman Highway and include many amenities from a picnic area to a dog park even hiking trails and horse trails and much more.

“As a family legacy, this is a tremendously big deal to me. I’m blessed to have Mike as part of this, the whole project. He has seen my vision,” said Chris Arnold. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/09/2024-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)