Friends of Warriors’ Path State Parks to Host “Day of Caring” Nov. 2

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 | 06:07am

Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground Will Be Closed for Volunteer Clean-Up

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Tennessee State Parks will join the Friends of Warriors’ Path State Park, the Kingsport Lion’s Club and the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport on Saturday, Nov. 2, for a “Day of Caring” at the Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground. The playground will be closed from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. for a volunteer clean-up of the area.

In cooperation with a number of local businesses and community groups, Nov. 2 has been designated to plant greenery, mulch, pressure wash all playground equipment and clean-up all areas of the playground. Nearly 40 volunteers are expected to participate.

While the park will not be closed to visitors on Saturday, Nov. 2, access to the playground will be restricted from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. In the event of rain, the volunteer clean-up will be rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16.

In addition to the Friends of Warriors’ Path, other volunteers and sponsors include Alternative Correctional Services, Celebration Church, the city of Kingsport, Express Signs, Food City, Kiwanis Club of Kingsport, Lions Club of Kingsport, Lowe’s of Kingsport, Northeast Tennessee Master Gardeners, Sullivan South Key Club, Tribal Members of the Remnant Yuchi Nation, Wal-Mart Super Centers and the United Way’s Young Leaders Society.

Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground is a popular weekend destination for families and the effort put forth by the volunteers will ensure that the park and playground are ready for a busy fall and winter season. Neighbors, churches and youth groups are invited to volunteer and join in the cause to make the community a better place and to make Warriors’ Path State Park and Darrell’s Dream the best they can be. To find out more about how to become a sponsor or volunteer, contact Mary Steadman at Mary.Steadman@MilesPartnership.com or call 423-956-4330.

Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground is a place where children of all abilities can learn and play together. The first phase of the playground opened at Warriors’ Path in April 2007. In 2012, phase four, the Palmer Center Amphitheater, was completed and is now open for public use with advance reservations. Warrior’s Path was the first state park in the nation to provide a Boundless Playground for visitors. The playground complex includes a variety of outdoor recreation experiences for children of all abilities, including an area for children ages two to five, along with a playground area for children ages five to 12, a sand island and the a-“MAZE”-ing interactive area. In addition, there is an eight-station interactive Braille Trail, with the theme of C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Last, but not least, there is a fully accessible tree house where children can learn about the history of Warriors’ Path State Park and the native wildlife that live there. For more information and to make reservations for the Palmer Center Foundation Amphitheater, contact Suzanne or Pam at 423-239-8531. Groups are also encouraged to make reservations to visit the playground to prevent overcrowding.

The Friends of Warriors’ Path is an organization that fosters conservation and educational efforts and assists the park staff in its efforts to better preserve and protect its existing facilities and resources. The group also supports the park staff in its work to provide quality recreational and interpretive experiences. This includes, but is not limited to, many natural, cultural and scenic features. For information about joining the Friends of Warriors’ Path, please contact Mary Steadman.

Warriors’ Path State Park sits on 950 acres and was named for the park’s proximity to the ancient war and trading path used by the Cherokee. The park is situated on the shores of TVA’s Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River. It features camping, hiking, fishing, golf, boating, swimming, picnic facilities and horseback riding. For more information about Warriors’ Path, visit www.tnstateparks.com/WarriorsPath.    

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