South Knoxville Optimist Club History

The Optimist Clubs of the Tennessee District work to aid and encourage the development of youth in their communities. Ongoing activities include mentoring programs, sport programs, and Youth Clubs. A wide variety of annual programs, projects and activities, including three state scholarship programs give young people an opportunity to learn and develop in a positive environment.

Gary Underwood Park is named after the City Councilman who served from 1990-2001. In 1997, the City bought South Knoxville Optimist’s Club’s Park when they could no longer afford to maintain it. Underwood played a key role in the acquisition of this property. Underwood had many memories from the park, as he played Little League baseball there as a young boy.