TDEC Celebrates Grand Opening of New Montgomery Bell State Park Villas
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 | 05:50am
Premieres modern, energy efficient, environmentally responsible accommodations
NASHVILLE – Tennessee State Parks will unveil eight new, environmentally friendly villas at Montgomery Bell State Park at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 28, beginning at 2 p.m.
These unique, contemporary accommodations serve as a first in a series of more energy efficient and environmentally responsible cabins to open within the Tennessee State Parks system in the coming months. An environmental focal point of the project is the geothermal system. Each villa has a 450-foot well to capture the energy of the earth to generate heating and cooling, using 40 to 60 percent less energy and minimizing energy-driven pollution. Among many other benefits, the geothermal system also produces free hot water in the summer. Other energy and environmental practices at the villas include the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs, outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic and indoor / outdoor recycling equipment.
A short program will kick off the event, with representatives from Environment and Conservation, Tennessee State Parks, the Department of Tourist Development, Environmental Protection Agency, elected officials and dignitaries attending. In addition, Commissioner Fyke will introduce the many partners instrumental in the project’s success, including TVA’s Energy Right program and State Architect Mike Fitts. Light refreshments will be served and personal tours will offer an up-close look at the environmental features found in these eight new villas.
WHO:
Deputy Governor John Morgan
Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke
Representative David Shepard
Dickson County Chamber of Commerce
Danny Orlando, Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4
Todd Thompson, TVA Energy Right
Tennessee State Parks Assistant Commissioner Andy Lyon, Hospitality
Ramble the Raccoon, Tennessee State Parks’ Mascot
WHAT:
Ribbon Cutting for New Villas at Montgomery Bell State Park
WHEN:
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2 to 3 p.m. (CDT)
WHERE:
Montgomery Bell State Park
Cabin Circle, Villas #155 and #156
DIRECTIONS:
From Interstate 40, take Exit 182 (Fairview / Dickson / Highway 96), turning west onto Highway 96 and staying the course until it dead ends into Highway 70. Turn right (east) onto Highway 70 (an off-ramp is provided) and go approximately three miles. The park entrance will be on the right. Parking and covered areas will be available at the event site.
“The new villas at Montgomery Bell serve as an example of Tennessee State Parks’ commitment to ensure our visitors enjoy outstanding accommodations, while leaving a lighter footprint on nature,” said Fyke. “This truly was a combined effort by many individuals and groups and we are very appreciative of their hard work and dedication to this project, particularly legislators like Senator Doug Jackson and Representative David Shepard.”
Funding for the eight new villas was allocated through a $2.5 million capital project in fiscal year 2005-2006, including total construction costs, indoor and outdoor furnishings, and the demolition and disposal of nine older cabins. One of the older cabins remains and will be used as a park staff residence. The geothermal system is expected to reduce the cost of heating and cooling by approximately 40 to 60 percent.
Montgomery Bell State Park is located in Burns, Tenn., just seven miles east of Dickson. The rolling hills of Dickson County contained an abundance of iron ore, which was considered more precious than gold to the builders of young America, luring hundreds to this area of Middle Tennessee. The iron industry in Dickson County has been long silent, but the 3,782 acres that make up Montgomery Bell State Park still show signs of its presence. As a place of quiet, natural beauty, Montgomery Bell is home to fox, squirrel, raccoon, opossum, deer and a wide variety of birds and wildflowers.
For additional information about the park, please call toll free at (800) 250-8613 or visit the Web site at www.tnstateparks.com/MontgomeryBell. For more information about the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony at Montgomery Bell, please call David Owenby at (615) 532-1531 or e-mail him at David.Owenby@tn.gov. A map of the park is also attached.
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