Environment and Conservation Dedicates New David Crockett State Park Green Cabins
Premieres Modern, Energy Efficient, Environmentally Responsible Accommodations
LAWRENCEBURG, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke and Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan joined several state and local officials today at the unveiling of David Crockett State Park’s seven new, energy efficient Green Cabins. Following a short program and an introduction of special guests and project partners at today’s event, personal tours offered an up-close look at the unique environmental features found in the new cabins.
The Green Cabins at David Crockett State Park offer new technologies addressing energy efficiency, pollution prevention, children’s health and stormwater management, in addition to easily transferable energy conservation practices. Upon silver certification as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the new cabins will mark the first of their kind in a Tennessee State Park.
An environmental focal point of the Green Cabin project is its geothermal system, which provides heating and cooling for the seven new cabins and the park’s 1,974-square-foot restaurant – using “heat sink” techniques and cooling coils that run under Lindsay Lake. Among many other benefits, the geothermal system also produces free hot water in the summer. The geothermal system is expected to reduce the cost of heating and cooling of these structures by approximately 40 to 60 percent, while minimizing energy-driven pollution.
Other notable environmental practices at the Green Cabins include the use of pervious concrete to help manage automotive fluids and manage stormwater; ENERGY STAR and LEED-certified insulation, lighting and windows; cork flooring; recycled plastic decking; low-flow plumbing fixtures; radon restraint construction; native plants and low-maintenance trees for landscaping; low volatile organic compound paints; concrete and recycled coal ash exterior siding; and rain gardens to also help manage stormwater.
David Crockett’s Green Cabins bring the total of Tennessee State Parks’ environmentally friendly accommodations to 15 – joining Montgomery Bell State Park’s eight energy efficient villas, which premiered in October 2009.
“These contemporary, LEED cabins further demonstrate Tennessee State Parks’ commitment to ensure our visitors enjoy outstanding accommodations, while leaving a lighter footprint on our natural resources,” said Fyke. “The Green Cabin project included the talents and expertise of a number of individuals and we are very appreciative of their hard work and dedication.”
The new Green Cabins will be available to rent beginning Monday, June 14, and reservations can be made by contacting the David Crockett State Park office at (931) 762-9408 or (877) 804-2681.
Funding for the seven new Green Cabins was allocated through a $2.5 million capital project in fiscal year 2005-2006, including design, total construction costs, furnishings and fixtures.
David Crockett State Park is located at 1400 West Gaines, just off of Highway 64, one half-mile west of Lawrenceburg. David Crockett was a pioneer, soldier, politician and industrialist born near Limestone, Tenn. in 1786. He moved to Lawrence County in 1817 and served as a justice of the peace, a colonel of the militia and as a state representative. Along the banks of Shoal Creek, he established a diversified industry consisting of a powdermill, gristmill and distillery – losing all three operations to a flood in 1821. Financial difficulties from these losses prompted Crockett to move to West Tennessee, where he was elected to Congress. Crockett died at the Alamo Mission in March 1836, while aiding the Texans in their fight for independence from Mexico.
For more information about David Crockett State Park’s new Green Cabins, please visit the Web site at www.tnstateparks.com/greenvillas. Additional information about the park can be found at www.tnstateparks.com/DavidCrockettSP.
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