Petition to: City of Maryville & Blount County Officials

Perry’s Mill, located along Highway 321 in Maryville, Tennessee, is a long-standing local landmark and part of our community’s shared history. Current plans to tear it down would permanently erase a site that could instead be preserved and transformed into a safe, publicly accessible community swimming area.

Rather than demolition, we ask our local leaders to explore a responsible redevelopment plan that protects public safety while giving the community a recreational space that benefits residents, families, and visitors.

Why This Matters

• Preserve Local History – Perry’s Mill is part of Maryville’s identity and deserves preservation, not destruction.

• Create Community Space – A managed swimming area provides affordable outdoor recreation for locals.

• Boost Local Tourism – A restored mill and swimming site could become a unique destination along Highway 321.

• Safer Than Status Quo – Regulated access, safety upgrades, and environmental monitoring would improve safety compared to unmanaged use.

• Sustainable Choice – Adaptive reuse is more environmentally responsible than demolition.

What We’re Asking For

We urge the City of Maryville and Blount County to:

 1. Pause any plans to demolish Perry’s Mill

 2. Conduct a safety and feasibility study for a public swimming area

 3. Invite public input before making irreversible decisions

 4. Explore grants, partnerships, or conservation funding to preserve the site