A standing-room only crowd gave its input on three options for the rebirth of the David Crockett Birthplace State Park Thursday night.
The public hearing was held in the Niswonger Commons on the Tusculum University campus.
Tim Hancock, senior project manager at Kimley-Horn in Chattanooga, presented the plans that were developed after input from more than 1,800 persons.
Park manager Joe Nowotarski explains that the plans are a visualization of what the park could look like after it is rebuilt.
Data from the public input survey showed that the favorite past uses for the site were the homestead and hiking trails, both favored by more than two-thirds of respondents. Other popular uses were pavilions, RV camping, the camp store and gift shop.
In addition, the rebuilt park will include such features as a playground, a community amphitheater, boat ramp and a black powder and archery range.
One of the past uses that did not make the cut was the swimming pool. Hancock said that the Tennessee State Parks system has moved away from swimming pools in their parks due to costs and other factors.
Audience members were able to use stickers to vote for their preferred plan, with the “Betsy” plan gaining clear support from those in attendance.
Visit our web page at wgrv.com for a look at all three plans that were presented at Thursday’s meeting.
