Governor Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau will join members of the General Assembly, local elected officials and members of the community on Thursday, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official grand opening of Tims Ford State Park’s new visitor center and Lost Creek Overlook Trail.
Dedicated in 1978, Tims Ford is a relatively new state park that now manages nearly 3,000 acres on the Tims Ford Reservoir, including six islands, the Fairview Campground and seven public access areas around the reservoir. As part of the Tims Ford Reservoir Land Management and Disposition Plan, more than 2,000 acres have been added to Tims Ford State Park since 2000.
The new visitor center was designed with the park’s growth in mind, providing a better-equipped facility to meet increased visitation and community needs. The 4,000-square-foot visitor center also will house a new gift shop, park offices and public meeting space.
Incorporating a bit of history, the visitor center will include an exhibit titled Tims Ford, A Lake, A Park, A People, developed in conjunction with Middle Tennessee State University. The interpretive history will share photos and stories of the communities along the Elk River that were impacted by the development of the Tims Ford Reservoir.
Also enhancing the park is the new Tims Ford Heritage Trail System, created to offer visitors greater access to unique areas of the park. The new trail system allows park visitors an opportunity to walk a variety of trails and learn more about the homes and families that once lived on the land before there was a lake or a park.
The Lost Creek Overlook Trail, along with the Old Spann House Trail and Ray Branch Trail, are all part of the trail development plan.
“The new visitor center and trail system are great additions to Tims Ford State Park and will serve as a distinctive draw to one of the state’s most popular state parks,” said Mr. Martineau. “While there are simply too many to name, this project truly did bring an entire community together and I want to thank all of these individuals for their hard work and dedication throughout the entire process.”