Charles L Edwards Memorial Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Charles L Edwards Memorial Park is a popular recreational area located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
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Summary
The park is spread across 90 acres and is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests. A visit to the park is a great way to spend time with family and friends, enjoy outdoor activities, and learn about the history of the area.
One of the main attractions in the park is the Melton Lake Greenway, a 3-mile long trail that runs along the shores of Melton Lake and offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. Visitors can also take part in a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are several picnic areas and playgrounds for children, making it a popular spot for family outings.
The park also features a unique memorial to Charles L Edwards, a World War II veteran and prominent figure in the Oak Ridge community. The memorial includes a plaque and a statue of Edwards holding a book, symbolizing his dedication to education and community service.
Interesting facts about the park include its history as a site for the Manhattan Project, a top-secret government program during World War II that developed the first nuclear weapons. The city of Oak Ridge was founded as a result of the project, and the park was established as a way to honor the contributions of its residents.
The best time to visit Charles L Edwards Memorial Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. The park is open year-round, however, and there are always plenty of activities to enjoy regardless of the season. Overall, the park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Oak Ridge area, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, history, and outdoor recreation.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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