Bredesen Outlines Vision for Future of State Parks System
Nashville – Governor Phil Bredesen today outlined his vision for
the future of Tennessee’s state parks system, which includes creating
a new Tennessee State Park, building a rustic lodge restoring existing
facilities.
“Our Tennessee State Park system has come a long way, and now it’s
time to start planning for what comes next to make our state parks even
more attractive to Tennesseans and visitors,” Bredesen said. “I
want us to begin planning now for what our state landscape will look like
in 15 or 20 years, when generations of Tennesseans will be able to enjoy
the investments we have made.”
Bredesen traveled Tuesday to Hamilton County, where he called on the state
departments of Environment and Conservation, Economic and Community Development
and Tourism to make recommendations for building a rustic lodge in the
Ocoee River region of southeast Tennessee. The Ocoee Region, with its
wealth of outdoor recreational and eco-tourism opportunities, has been
identified as an ideal area for an architecturally and environmentally
significant building. The lodge would be modeled in the style of National
Parks Service facilities.
“I believe a state parks lodge would enhance the exciting things
already taking place in this region and continue to boost the tourism
industry in southeast Tennessee,” Bredesen said. “This lodge
could also serve as a model for the development of future park inns and
lodges that are designed to take their inspiration from natural landscapes.”
Bredesen also traveled to Williamson County to outline his parks vision
for Middle Tennessee. There, he directed Environment and Conservation
Commissioner Jim Fyke to identify a location for a new Tennessee State
Park. The park will most likely be built in Williamson, Maury or Hickman
County, where natural scenery, history and culture and rapid growth are
abundant.
“Just as Radnor Lake State Park has become an oasis in a heavily
developed portion of Davidson County, I want to begin the process now
to identify and preserve a special place in Middle Tennessee where Tennesseans
will be able to walk, ride and enjoy the beauty that defines this region
of the state.”
Bredesen also outlined plans for the state’s park system in West
Tennessee, where existing assets must be cared for and restored. To begin
this process, Bredesen has set a focus on Pickwick Landing and Reelfoot
Lake State Parks. At Pickwick Landing, Bredesen plans to raze an old and
unused inn, whose attractiveness and safety has declined over the years,
replacing it with cabins designed to fit into the natural landscape. At
Reelfoot Lake, Bredesen plans to refurbish the boardwalk and inn rooms
located over the water for the future enjoyment of Tennesseans.
“In addition to setting plans for growth and expansion, we also
need to renew our focus on taking care of what we’ve got,”
Bredesen said. “We’ll start with these two projects in West
Tennessee and continue to look across the state to evaluate needs and
prioritize projects.”
For more information about Tennessee State Parks, visit www.tnstateparks.com.
| For more information contact: Lydia Lenker, Governor's Office Dana Coleman, TDEC Tisha Calabrese-Benton, TDEC |
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