Hidden Gems for You Right Here in Knox County

You may not have heard of them or even be aware they exist. They have a lot to offer you. So, let’s help you to get to know about them.

What are we talking about? The senior centers here in Knoxville and Knox County.

Years ago, our local government realized that after giving so much to their workplaces and the community during their work lives, retired people frequently had quite a bit of time on their hands. There wasn’t much for them to do or to occupy their time.

So the local officials decided to open senior centers in the city and county. Each center would be a place where seniors could go and meet other seniors. The centers would have a variety of activities for them. They could get involved in those that interested them. In the process, they could relax and enjoy themselves.

Right now, there are eight senior centers in the Knoxville and Knox County. Residents age 50+ can take advantage of what these centers have to offer.

Knoxville-Knox County Senior Centers

Carter Senior Center
Phone: 932-2939
9040 Asheville Highway, 37924
Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Corryton Senior Center
Phone: 688-0510
9331 Davis Drive, Corryton, 37721
Mon., Wed., Fri., 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.,
Tue. & Thu., 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Halls Senior Center
Phone: 922-0416
4405 Crippen Road, 37918
Mon., Tue., Wed., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Thur. & Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

John T. O’Connor Senior Center
Phone: 523-1135
611 Winona Street, 37917
Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Karns Senior Center
Phone: 951-2653
8042 Oak Ridge Hwy. 37931
Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Larry Cox Senior Center
Phone: 546-1700
3109 Ocoee Trail, 37917
Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

South Knox Senior Center
Phone: 573-5843
6729 Martel Lane, 37920
Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Strang Senior Center
Phone: 670-6693
109 Lovell Heights Road, 37922
Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Each center is run by professionals and has a wide range of programs specifically geared to what may interest you. These cover many different areas, such as

  • Exercise
  • Lifetime Learning Programs
  • Art Classes
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Recreation
  • Education
  • Social Activities

The centers also offer health education and screenings. Some have book clubs, movies, special programs, and speakers. The O’Connor Center offers noontime meals for attendees and a cooperative gift shop. There may even be programs where you may have the opportunity to help out as a volunteer.

Some of the programs are free; some have a minimal charge.

If this is the first time you have heard of these centers, drop by the one closest to you. See what it offers. You will have the opportunity to meet new people and may even get involved in an activity you hadn’t even thought about. It’s fine to visit more than one center. Each offers different programs and services; all are open to residents of Knoxville and Knox County.

If you haven’t been to a center for some time, stop by and see what’s going on—it may have changed since you last visited.

There is no reason to stay at home alone all day and watch the same shows on TV every day. Get out, meet new people, have fun, and maybe even learn something. Enjoy yourself!