(WBIR - KNOXVILLE) Rain and nearby construction have slowed plans to open a part of Ijams Nature Center's Mead's Quarry Lake as a public swimming area.
In May, divers with the Knoxville Volunteer Emergency Rescue Squad scoured that area of the lake, checking depths and removing debris. Items they pulled from the bottom of the quarry included "several tires, a guitar amplifier casing and a bench seat likely from a bus," according to Ijams Nature Center executive director Paul James.
For decades, before Ijams came to manage it in 2001, the quarry was an illegal dump site.
James said divers found the depth of the proposed swimming area ranged from 15 to 60 feet.
"The swim area is still under development," James told WBIR. "The opening has been delayed due to the continued high level of the water following persistent rain as well as construction of the new bathrooms adjacent to the area entrance."
Currently, there is no swimming or use of private boats allowed, though in partnership with Ijams, River Sports rents kayaks, standup paddleboards and canoes.
"The boat rentals that we offer on the quarry lake with our recreational partner, River Sports Outfitters, remain hugely popular," James said. "We are open seven days a week down there now."
Learn more about boat rentals HERE.
