Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and Hamilton County Parks and Recreation on Saturday cut the ribbon for the grand opening of a passive park on the site of the new-era Hamilton County Fair at McDonald Farm. While preserving the farm’s natural beauty, this sprawling 50-acre span on the main homestead will provide greenspace for the Sale Creek community and all Hamilton County residents to enjoy.
The official opening on the homestead marks phase one as a rudimentary county park and sets the foundation to greatly enhance long-term economic prospects in phase two, providing north Hamilton County with a world-class recreation area.
“McDonald Farm is among the most pristine tracts of land in the South and as of today, its new owners, the citizens of Hamilton County will be able to enjoy the homestead on a weekly basis,” said Mayor Wamp. “With preservation at top of mind, we look forward to further investing in infrastructure to support recreational growth and utilize this treasured asset to its highest and best use in the years ahead.”
The park will continue serving as a prime location for school field trips where students throughout the county can interact with farm animals, engage in various activities, and learn about the farm’s deep-rooted history.
“By dedicating this breathtaking stretch of the farm for recreational purposes, I believe we’re making a wise investment for folks in the north end of the county and beyond,” said Commissioner Gene-O Shipley, who represents Sale Creek. “We want to give the citizens who shaped this community a park to be proud of.”
“The opening of this passive park marks a significant milestone for Hamilton County and Sale Creek residents as McDonald Farm is steeped in the rich tradition of this community,” said Hamilton County Parks & Recreation Director, Matt Folz. “We are thrilled for the potential of this new park to evolve as a beloved staple of Hamilton County and look forward to expanding on additional offerings in the future.”
The park will be open to the public on weekdays with weekends reserved for special events. Inquiries regarding weekend reservations can be sent to FarmInfo@hamiltontn.gov.