Radnor Lake State Park and Natural Area and “Friends” to Dedicate New Trail and Bridges September 29

Ribbon-Cutting Event Coincides with Statewide National Public Lands Day Activities

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau will join the Friends of Radnor Lake, REI, local elected officials and members of the community on Saturday, Sept. 29, at Radnor Lake State Park and Natural Area to dedicate the new Valve-House interpretative trail, along with opening two new bridges on the park’s Lake Trail.

As part of statewide National Public Lands Day activities, volunteers are encouraged to join Radnor Lake park staff from 8 a.m. until noon to complete the new interpretive trail to the historic Valve House.  In preparation of two new bridges opening in the park, volunteers will also help reroute the trail to accommodate these additions. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Valve-House Trail will immediately follow the morning’s volunteer efforts, beginning at 9 a.m. at Netherton Point, followed by an interpretive hike led by MTSU’s Dr. Doug Heffington.  Radnor Lake State Park's ranger staff will lead an additional hike beginning at 10:15 a.m. on the Lake Trail to dedicate the park’s new bridges.   Lunch will be provided at the Visitor Center by the Friends of Radnor Lake. 

“National Public Lands Day is a wonderful tradition and having the long-term support of our many volunteers and Friends Groups is a vital component to the continued protection of special places like Radnor Lake,” Martineau said.  “Please join me, along with the Friends of Radnor Lake and some very special guests on Saturday to help dedicate these great new features of the park.”

WHO:

Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau

Oak Hill Mayor Austin McMullen

Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill, Tennessee State Parks

Director of Tennessee State Parks Mike Robertson

Greer Tidwell, Friends of Radnor Lake President

The Friends of Radnor Lake State Park

Radnor Lake State Park and Natural Area Manager Steve Ward

WHAT:

National Public Lands Day effort at Radnor Lake State Park and Natural Area, including the dedication of the new Valve-House interpretative trail and two new bridges on the Lake Trail. 

WHEN:

Saturday, Sept. 29

• 8 a.m. – Coffee and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Radnor Lake at the Visitor Center, followed by volunteer efforts to complete the new Valve-House interpretative trail. 
• 9 a.m. – Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Valve-House Trail, followed by an interpretative hike led by MTSU’s Dr. Doug Heffington. 
• 10:15 a.m. – Radnor Lake State Park's ranger staff will lead an additional hike beginning on the Lake Trail to dedicate the park’s new bridges.  
• Noon – Lunch will be provided at the Visitor Center by Friends of Radnor Lake. 

WHERE:

Radnor Lake State Park and Natural Area – Visitor Center

1160 Otter Creek Road

Nashville, Tenn. 37220-1700

Members of the media and public are invited to attend the dedication activities, which will include light refreshments and the optional hike following the event.  From downtown Nashville, take I-65 South to Harding Place (Exit 78) and travel west on Harding (or Battery Lane) to Granny White Pike. Turn left on Granny White and travel approximately two miles, taking a left on Otter Creek Road (just before the Granny White Market entrance).  For more information and to RSVP, contact Sam King at (615) 377-1281 or kingsr21@gmail.com. 

Established in 1973 as the first natural area in the state of Tennessee, Radnor Lake boasts an annual visitation of 1 million visitors and six miles of hiking trails.  With 1,257 acres, in addition to its 85-acre lake, Radnor Lake is home to numerous plant species and wildlife.  Radnor Lake is located in Davidson County in the midst of the Overton Hills, south of Metropolitan Nashville in the Oak Hill Community. This natural area provides a variety of scenic spots and diverse natural habitats ranging from its lake, streams and placid sloughs. Wildlife and numerous species of plants are in abundance. It is a place that provides scenic, biological, geological and passive recreational opportunities not found in other metropolitan areas of Nashville's size.  For more information about the park, please visit www.tnstateparks.com/RadnorLake/. 

Tennessee’s 54 state parks and 82 natural areas span the state from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River and offer an array of diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences, including hiking, camping, boating and golfing.  Celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, the Tennessee State Parks system was established through legislation in 1937.  Today, there is a state park within an hour's drive of just about anywhere in the state, with features such as pristine natural areas and a variety of lodging and dining choices.  For more information, visit Tennessee State Parks' website at www.tnstateparks.com. 

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