32 Tennessee State Parks Recognized for 'Go Green' Performance

Tuesday, April 25, 2023 | 08:24am

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) today announced 32 of the 57 Tennessee State Parks have attained Platinum status, the highest level of achievement, in the department’s Go Green With Us program. It is the highest number of Platinum parks in the program’s history.

“Our state parks are setting an example for environmental protection, and we are glad to see them recognized in this way,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for TDEC’s Bureau of Parks and Conservation. “These parks have worked hard and deserve this recognition. It is one more way to show TDEC’s commitment to stewarding our precious natural resources, and our park visitors deserve no less.”

The announcement coincides with April being Earth Month around the world. The annual Earth Day observance was April 22.

The evaluation process reviews parks’ efforts in sustainability categories including energy efficiency; maintenance and hospitality; water conservation; and recycling and waste reduction; among others. Through this process, parks can earn Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum recognition levels. Parks accumulate points for completing designated tasks within the Go Green guidelines. This year, 20 parks reached Gold to go with the 32 achieving Platinum recognition. 

Go Green With Us began in 2015 as a recycling initiative of the state parks. In its first year, it was a voluntary program. In 2018, the guidelines became mandatory for all Tennessee State Parks.

The parks were the recipients of the National Association of State Park Directors’ 2022 President’s Award for the Go Green program.

Park visitors are encouraged to ask about their favorite park’s Go Green initiative and what they can do to participate. More information about the program can be found online.

The 32 parks to achieve Platinum status are:

West Tennessee:

  • Fort Pillow State Park
  • Johnsonville State Park
  • Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
  • Paris Landing State Park
  • Pickwick Landing State Park

Middle Tennessee:

  • Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
  • Bledsoe Creek State Park
  • Burgess Falls State Park
  • Cedars of Lebanon State Park
  • Henry Horton State Park
  • Long Hunter State Park
  • Montgomery Bell State Park
  • Old Stone Fort State Park
  • Pickett CCC Memorial State Park
  • Standing Stone State Park
  • Radnor Lake State Park
  • Rock Island State Park
  • Sgt. Alvin C. York State Park
  • Tims Ford State Park

East Tennessee:

  • Big Ridge State Park
  • Cove Lake State Park
  • Cumberland Mountain State Park
  • David Crockett Birthplace State Park
  • Fort Loudoun State Park
  • Harrison Bay State Park
  • Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park
  • Indian Mountain State Park
  • Norris Dam State Park
  • Roan Mountain State Park
  • Seven Islands State Birding Park
  • South Cumberland State Park
  • Sycamore Shoals State Park