KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Ijams Nature Center is increasing security at Mead's Quarry after a shooting at the popular South Knoxville swimming hole two weeks ago.
Amber Parker, the president of Ijams, said reckless behavior will no longer be tolerated. Alcohol is usually involved in these types of incidents, she said. So, bringing alcohol to the quarry that isn't purchased from concessions will not be allowed.
Breaking rules at Ijams could result in being permanently banned, she said. The nature center said it will implement a "one-strike policy" for anyone who brings in outside alcohol, consumes alcohol purchased from the center outside of its designated beer garden area, has illegal drugs, breaks any posted rules or engages in reckless behavior.
People also cannot bring personal watercraft like kayaks for inflatables over 5 feet, grills or play loud music. Dogs also must be leashed.
"We've tried to be nice and it is not working. So now we're saying, 'No,'" Parker said. "If you are found in Ijams with outside alcohol, you are going to be banned from Ijams for the course of the year and potentially into the future."
Ijams offers beer for sale at a concessions stand, which helps them monitor alcohol consumption, Parker said.
"We control that," Parker said. "Our bartenders are able to eyeball somebody if they know they've had too much."
The nature center said safety ambassadors will check coolers and any large beverage cups for alcohol and will monitor people for signs of public intoxication. A list of banned people will be shared with the Knoxville Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff's Office as well, which works closely with Ijams.
The nature center is having an extremely busy summer, bartender Bex Lloyd said. With that comes safety concerns.
"People like to hang out all day in the hot sun. It's just safer for everybody if we can help monitor alcohol intake for dehydration purposes, but also just to keep everybody safe," Lloyd said.