Roan Mountain State Park Wins Award for Operations Excellence

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has honored Roan Mountain State Park for its performance in the Excellence in Operations Award category of the Tennessee State Parks annual Awards of Excellence.

“The staff at Roan Mountain State Park embody the mission of having the best team possible for our parks,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “Despite immense challenges, this park staff focused on employee excellence, and that led to a heightened visitor experience. We are pleased to recognize the park for its performance.”

In a year marked by significant challenges, including the 10-month closure of half the campground due to Hurricane Helene, Roan Mountain staff demonstrated resilience and strong operational coordination. Fully reopening helped restore a sense of normalcy for a community still recovering from the storm.

Despite reduced visitation, the park maintained steady performance across campgrounds, cabins, interpretive programming, the gift shop and revenue operations. The park also continued to support leadership development and career progression throughout the disruptions.

The Excellence in Operations Award recognizes a park for distinguished achievement in strengthening the systems that support effective park management. The evaluation considers how staff capacity is developed, performance standards are applied, resources are managed responsibly, and operations are sustained during periods of significant challenge or complexity, in alignment with the Tennessee State Parks 10-Year Comprehensive Strategic Plan.

TDEC announced the following awards for parks in other categories:

• Excellence in Amenities Award: Panther Creek State Park
• Excellence in Resource Stewardship Award: Johnsonville State Historic Park
• Excellence in Visitor Experience Award: Henry Horton State Park

Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park was awarded Park of the Year.