Today a
crowd of dignitaries, nature lovers, and local people gathered in a forest
clearing overlooking Cummins Falls to dedicate the opening of a new state park
and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of
the Tennessee State Park system.
Cummins Falls State Park was officially
dedicated, becoming the 54th official state park and the first state park
opened in 14 years.
 |
| Kathleen Williams reads the sign |
Cummins
Falls State Park is a 211 acre park located nine miles north of Cookeville on the Blackburn
Fork State Scenic River in the rolling hills where Putnam and Jackson Counties
meet. The falls are dramatic and are the eighth largest waterfall in the state.
The roaring stream gives way to a 75 foot drop into a pool at the bottom, which
Travel and Leisure magazine has listed
as one of the top 10 best swimming holes in the United States.
Last year I had the opportunity to hike down
to the bottom of river gorge and swim in the cold waters at the foot of the falls. The hike was a challenge and only for the hearty. A new trail the state has built makes the trek less treacherous but still a strenuous hike.
 |
| About 500 people attend the dedication. |
This beautiful
natural treasure would have been lost without the vision and hard work of
Kathleen Williams, President and Executive Director of the Tennessee Parks and Greenway's foundation and
supporters of that organization, various donors, and State agencies and elected
officials.
 |
The York
Institute Color Guard prepares
for
presentation of the Colors.
|
Once before the land that adjoins the falls had already
been sold to a developer but the developer went bankrupt and the property went
back on the market.
 |
| Governor Haslam views the falls |
Two years ago the property was being sold at public action
and TPGP purchased the property outbidding a Kentucky developer. The Chairman of the Board of TPGF, Dr. Chuck
Womack and members of the board of TPGF and other contributors put up the
million and half dollars to purchase the land and then raised the money to
repay themselves and eventually sold the land to the state at a discounted
price.
That is the process often used to
save critical habitats and beautiful vista's and natural treasures such as cave access sites and waterfalls.
 |
authentic acoustic
mountain music
|
The state is less nimble and cannot move quickly when needing to do so, or the State can not do the
kind of negotiating that a non-profit organization can
do.
 |
| Governor Bill Haslam dedicates the new park |
Today's ceremonies opened with the presentation of
the Colors by the World War 1 York Institute Junior ROTC and a moving solo
violin performance of the national anthem.
 |
Kathleen
Williams speaks about the
importance
of saving our Tennessee
natural treasures. |
Various speakers at today's event spoke
about the economic return on investment in Tennessee's natural beauty, about
the importance of protecting the bio-diversity of our streams and woods and the
importance of preserving natures wonders for future generations. Various people
were recognized for their contribution is making the park a reality. Kathleen Williams was praised for her role in
saving the land and making the park happen and Governor Haslam was honored for
the role his administration played in the decision of the State to purchase the
property and turn it into a State park.
 |
I enjoyed
getting to chat with
the Governor
after the event.
|
Prior
to and after the ceremony an acoustic band played traditional music and a barbeque
meal was provided courtesy of Wildwood Manor Bed and Breakfast.
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