DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee has announced plans to establish a community EcoPark adjacent to its Athens, Tennessee, property. DENSO is partnering with the City of Athens Parks and Recreation and the McMinn County Economic Development Authority to develop an 11.5-acre EcoPark that creates a safe place for employees and the community to walk, learn and immerse themselves in nature.
The EcoPark will be developed on land owned and set aside by the McMinn County Economic Development Authority and will be completed in three phases with the first phase targeted for completion in late October 2015.
“DENSO grew up in rural Japan, and preserving the environment has long been a part of our heritage. So, we wanted to develop an EcoPark that demonstrates DENSO’s Japanese heritage while also creating an eco-friendly and educational oasis for employees and community,” said Shawn Bryant, manager of Safety, Health and Environment at DENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee. “We hope that one day we can take kids from all around the area and teach them different ways to help protect the environment through the EcoPark.”
Phase one will include an outdoor, Japanese-style pavilion and picnic area, which can serve as a meeting area for employees and outdoor classroom for students. This phase will also establish a half-mile walking trail and Japanese fruit orchard to celebrate the Japanese culture and teach students about food sustainability. The phase should be completed by Oct. 31, 2015.
Phase two will focus on renewable energy through the use of windmill and solar panels. Once completed, DENSO plans to sell the green electricity to fund future activities and upkeep as well as to make donations to environmental activities. This phase should be completed in late 2016.
Phase three will include a natural pond with natural plant filtering that will create a healthy sanctuary for wildlife and demonstrate water sustainability. Completion of this phase is targeted for late 2017.
