A ribbon cutting ceremony was held by the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Friday at the Knoxville Public Library for “Dixie’s Garden”.

The ceremony took place immediately following the Knoxville Homecoming Parade and the event celebrated the official opening of the new outdoor space for the community to enjoy. The park is named in honor of Knoxville native and designer of the Iowa flag, Dixie Gebhardt, and will serve as a green area for visitors and residents alike. Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nathan Sage said this was a great way to celebrate this new addition to Knoxville.

“From a chamber standpoint it’s extremely awesome to see the park up. There was a lot of negativity when the Gebhardt house came down. To be able to see that spot rejuvenated and open to the public and a great new green space for our community where kids can read and people can be out there and enjoy the green space and the good weather. It’s just awesome to see and I’m glad everybody was able to be a part of that and help celebrate the new garden.”

This project is on the west side of the library and includes a garden, sidewalks, trees, greenery, a stage for library programming, picnic tables, and a memorial bench.