On Thursday morning, local officials met with state park officials to formalize a working relationship that has existed for years.
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Manager Jennifer Bauer said the initiative is something the Tennessee State Park System is doing as a whole to recognize the working relationships the parks have with their local governments and agencies.
“This is a show of support and a symbol of our collaborative efforts of working together,” Bauer said. “We are taking this opportunity to put on paper something we have been doing for a long time.”
Joining Bauer at the special signing were Roan Mountain State Park Manager J.R. Tinch, City of Elizabethton Mayor Curt Alexander, Carter County Mayor Leon Humphrey and Carter County Tourism Director Kayla Carter. Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce Director Tonya Stevens was not able to attend the event due to working to prepare for the Taste of Carter County event on Thursday evening.
The resolution signed by the park officers and local officials recognizes the relationship between the two state parks located in Carter County, the City of Elizabethton, Carter County, the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, and Carter County Tourism.
“It’s pretty awesome that we have two state parks in one county,” Tinch said. “I don’t think any other county has that. I’m not aware of any other state parks that have been able to do this resolution as a joint effort.”
During the ceremony, both Bauer and Tinch read from the resolutions discussing the working relationship and its importance.
“It is essential to work collaboratively to reconnect our youth and families with the land in such a way as to create a new generation of stewards, improve the mental and physical health of our nation, reduce the cost of health care, increase awareness of the important role nature plays in our lives and ensure the perpetuation of the resources entrusted to our care,” the resolution states. “The social and economic benefits in Tennessee’s rural regions provided by state parks are recognized for their abilities to enhance each community where located by helping to maintain cohesion and pride.
“Tennessee State Parks desires to work with each community where they are located to grow each economy and provide for a better quality of life for all residents,” the resolution continues. “Tennessee State Parks are a source of positive economic benefits through increased local tax revenues, job creation, enhanced property values and retiree attraction.”
By signing the resolution, the two state parks and local officials were pledging “to work together to enhance the lives of residents through promoting healthy lifestyles, environmental education, job creation and economic growth.”