Iams Nature Center leaders defend new parking fee as membership and maintenance lifeline

Amber Parker, chief executive officer of Iams Nature Center, told the Knox County Board of Commissioners on March 18 that the nonprofit has begun charging for parking to create a sustainable revenue stream for operations and capital upkeep.

Parker said Iams — which manages a mix of property owned by Knox County, the City of Knoxville and the nonprofit — has grown from an estimated 100,000 annual visitors in 2001 to about 616,000 a year based on recent cell‑phone pings. She told commissioners the center now manages roughly 318 acres and runs a range of programs that require paid staff and reliable maintenance.

"We had to create sustainable ways for more people to support the mission," Parker said, explaining the board approved a QR‑code payment system that charges $5 per car per day or $50 per year for a parking pass; members park free. She said the center also offers a low‑cost "access for all" membership tier at $10 a year for people at or below program income thresholds.

Parker said the new approach produced an immediate membership response: "2,024 new memberships just in January and February of this year," she said, adding the parking program helps fund staff salaries, outreach to underserved communities, deferred maintenance and modest capital projects.

During a grace and education period after the Feb. 19 rollout, Parker said compliance rates fell from an initial 34 percent nonpayment to about 47 percent last week. "We're looking at a board decision in June about whether to move to more pointed enforcement," she said, noting the current approach emphasizes reminders rather than towing or fines.

Celia Winchester, an Iams board member who spoke during the public comment period, said the center's operating budget was approximately $1.8 million last year, that city and county funding accounted for about 9 percent of operating revenue, and that the parking fee helps cover growing maintenance needs caused by increased visitation and vandalism. "We're hoping this parking fee will further support them in their efforts," Winchester said.

Beau Townsend, a longtime volunteer and former executive director, told commissioners volunteers do much of the maintenance but acknowledged that diversified revenue streams — including the parking fee — are necessary: "People can still access the center for free; they're never charged to go on the trails," he said, describing the fee as a reluctant but responsible step.

Commissioners asked for clarifications about volunteer exemptions and whether the fee is voluntary or required. Parker and Iams staff said the fee is a required charge (a fee rather than a donation) but during the current rollout the center is not actively enforcing penalties; volunteers receive free parking passes if they volunteer at least 20 hours a year, and staff said they will do more targeted outreach to inform volunteers and members about exemptions.

The presentation also outlined how Iams funds capital projects: Parker cited $1.5 million from the City of Knoxville for capital improvements and two recent county capital contributions totaling $150,000. She said the swim‑dock project at Mead's Quarry combined roughly $20,000 in private donations with $69,000 in county funds, with Iams staff performing construction.

The commission did not take action on Iams' parking program at the meeting; the presentation was for information and to allow commissioners to raise questions. Parker said the board will continue monthly meetings and expected to revisit implementation details in April and again before any enforcement changes in June.