Advisory: Cordell Hull Birthplace and Sergeant Alvin C. York State Parks to Hold Joint Anniversary Event Today at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012 | 12:13pm

Celebration Will Help Commemorate Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary

 

NASHVILLE – The year 2012 marks Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary and to help commemorate this important milestone, Cordell Hull Birthplace and Sergeant Alvin C. York state parks will join together for a special event today (Wednesday, April 11), beginning at 2 p.m.  Media are invited to attend the event, which will be held at Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park in Byrdstown, Tenn. 

 

“We are very excited to celebrate Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary this year,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau.  “These two outstanding state parks serve as popular destinations in Middle Tennessee, offering great programs and a rich history to their many visitors and to the communities they serve.  Today’s event is just one of many statewide celebrations we will be holding throughout the year. It will be an opportunity to thank the parks’ Friends Groups and the local community for all their hard work and support.” 

 

WHO:              

State Representative Kelly Keisling

Chris Thompson, Pickett County Mayor

Johnie Neal, Pickett County Executive

Frank Smith, Fentress County Executive

Will Robbins, Executive Director for the Pickett County BPCCC

Greg Ridley, Field Director for U.S. Representative Scott Desjarlais

Janie Jolley, Field Director for U.S. Senator Bob Corker

Lana Rossi, President of the Friends of Cordell Hull

David Delk, Park Manager for Cordell Hull Birthplace and Sergeant Alvin C. York

Ranger Andrew York

 

WHAT:             

Joint 75th Anniversary event for Cordell Hull and Sergeant Alvin C. York state parks

There will be a short presentation, followed by light refreshments

                       

WHEN:             

Wednesday, April 11

2 p.m.

 

WHERE:           

Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park

1300 Cordell Hull Memorial Drive

Byrdstown, Tennessee 38549

 

The Tennessee State Parks system was established through legislation in 1937, and those laws – with modifications and additions over the years – remain the framework for park operations today.  As in most states, Tennessee began in cooperation with federal programs that instigated individual parks. Later, Depression era recovery programs gave a boost to the idea and the possibility of creating parks. The Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration worked on land conservation, but also delved further into the actual planning and construction of what would become the first of 53 Tennessee State Parks.

 

Today, there is a state park within an hour’s drive of just about anywhere in Tennessee.  A 2009 University of Tennessee study highlights the positive economic impacts that state parks provide local communities, particularly in rural areas of the state.  The study found that for every dollar spent on trips to Tennessee State Parks, an additional $1.11 of economic activity was generated throughout the state.  When the direct and indirect expenditures were combined, the impact of Tennessee State Parks to the state’s economy was $1.5 billion in total industry output, supporting more than 18,600 jobs.

 

“Our vision statement highlights the inherent value of our natural environment, along with the value of the many physical reminders of Tennessee’s past,” added Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill.  “Tennessee’s state parks have played such an important role in our history, and they play a critical role in our health and quality of life, which will benefit Tennesseans well into the future.”

 

Tennessee’s state parks deliver a rich fabric of natural landscapes, wild places, preserved ecologies, outdoor recreational opportunities and protected historic scenes and resources – together representing the heritage of Tennessee in the landscape.

 

Tennessee's 53 state parks and 82 state natural areas offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families or business and professional groups.  State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses.  For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call toll free at 1-888-867-2757. For upcoming events in connection with the 75th Anniversary of Tennessee State Parks, please visit the state parks website at www.tnstateparks.com.

 

Cordell Hull Birthplace and Museum is located a few miles west of Byrdstown. It is 1.5 miles off of Highway 111 on State Route 325.  For more information about the park or detailed directions, please visit www.tnstateparks.com/CordellHull

 

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