KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Ijams Nature Center is working to improve the safety of Mead's Quarry Lake after a rock fall closed the popular attraction.
On May 25, part of a rock wall at the quarry fell into the water, sending large waves that swept away belongings and sent swimmers rushing to shore. No major injuries were reported in the rock fall, but a geologist from the Tennessee Geological Survey assessed the quarry and said the area may continue to be unstable, and encouraged the nature center to create a larger safety zone around the quarry.
Ijams said on social media that its conservation director and river captain were working to place new safety buoys and float lines in Mead's Quarry Lake, marking the area where it's safe to swim. The nature center also said it hopes to soon announce when the lake will be back open.
In the meantime, it encouraged people to not go into the lake and to respect signs saying it's closed.