Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What’s changing at Willow Springs Park’s playground and when will it reopen?

And check out JOHN COWAN on the Johnson City Patch calendar

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Thursday September 10th Patch AM
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Cheers Johnson City! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What's changing at Willow Springs Park's playground and when will it reopen?
  • Which 10 Johnson City restaurants are worth planning a whole weekend around?
  • How new Johnson City crosswalks could change your drive near ETSU

Also on today's calendar: Key Ceremony for Army SPC Christopher Brooks and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 87 and low of 65 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Cloudy, a thunderstorm; warm, temps: high: 86, low: 65.
  • Saturday: Humid with a stray t-storm, with a high of 85 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Willow Springs Park set for major playground upgrades, splash pad (wjhl.com) — Willow Springs Park in Johnson City is getting a brand-new inclusive playground and a small splash pad in place of its nearly 30-year-old equipment, in a project costing up to about $890,000. Funded by a state grant and local match, the upgrade follows community input and is expected to open in spring 2027, meaning families will temporarily lose the playground but gain more accessible, water-friendly play options later.
   

2. 10 Local-Favorite Restaurants In Johnson City, Tennessee Worth Planning A Weekend Around (takingthekids.com) — If you're hungry in Johnson City, this roundup highlights ten locally loved restaurants across downtown, North Johnson City, and busy corridors like Roan Street and State of Franklin. From German comfort food and Mediterranean meze to barbecue, sushi, vegan burgers, and Indian buffets, it offers specific addresses and standout dishes so you can plan a full weekend of eating without guesswork.
   

3. Improvements to crosswalk at State of Franklin, University in the works (johnsoncitypress.com) — New pedestrian safety upgrades are coming to the busy State of Franklin and University Parkway intersection in Johnson City, including crosswalk islands to shorten crossings for ETSU students and other walkers. The city is also planning its first HAWK signal at Maple Street to stop traffic on demand, part of a broader effort to better connect campus with downtown. Installation of the HAWK is hoped for by the end of the school year.
   

4. Ballad Health shares procedure updates during panel at JC Chamber breakfast (johnsoncitypress.com) — Johnson City Medical Center leaders told local chamber members about a $72 million, multi-phase expansion of the hospital's emergency department and related access changes like valet service and adjusted parking. They also highlighted new cancer and neurosurgical procedures, including advanced chemotherapy techniques and the region's first awake brain tumor surgery, aimed at giving Johnson City patients big-city treatment options closer to home.
   

5. THP: Motorcyclist flown to hospital after reported pursuit in Carter Co. (wjhl.com) — A Carter County motorcycle crash Tuesday night left a 62-year-old rider seriously injured and airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center after reportedly fleeing deputies on Highway 19E. Troopers say the man lost control in a turn, struck a concrete bridge barrier, and was thrown into northbound lanes. Charges are pending as the Tennessee Highway Patrol continues its investigation.
   

📸 Around Johnson City

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Johnson City

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Thursday September 10
  • JOHN COWAN →
    The Down Home, 300 West Main Street, Johnson City
    7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Johnson City Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I've eaten at Texas Roadhouse several times.
    (Johnson City) They have excellent servers and staff. The food has always been delicious. Great prices. Favorites are the Filet Salad, Filet mignon,… (Nextdoor Pine Ridge)
  • I just love a weird little parasitic wasp.
    This is Leucospis affinis. They are parasites of solitary bees in the family Megachilidae—such as mason bees (Osmia), leafcutter bees (Megachile),… (Nextdoor Camelot Two)
  • Buckle posted a job opening for Freight Coordinator (Part-Time) in Johnson City. Apply here.
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Freight Handler Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/Hr in Johnson City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Johnson City here.

Ok Johnson City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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