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The Surf Betsy Project is still ongoing.
The idea project has been around for quite some time, and began with Metin Eryasa, a resident of the area. He, along with the Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (APEs), approached the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department about the possibility of building a whitewater park. From there, plans and discussions have taken place, including the establishment of a task force by the Elizabethton City Council last September to study the project that would be located along the Watauga or Doe rivers.
So what’s new now? The project now involves a partnership with East Tennessee State University’s College of Business.
“Their primary goal is to fill a business plan for this project,” explained Mike Mains, Director of Parks and Rec. “That is so important. That business plan will show the impact that such a facility could have on Elizabethton and Carter County.”
Mains explained this is a small piece of the overall project.
“With it also comes along the recreational enjoyment of citizens, of people from this region coming to the area to have a great time on a beautiful river,” he said.
Mains spoke that on the economic side comes in discovering how we can take advantage of our natural resources. He explained the uniqueness of this area and location has potential to draw new crowds. Along with potential for kayaking and other water related activities also brings in biking, etc., as well to these trails and other facilities drawing on what Carter County has to offer.
Some notable names from ETSU working on this project include: Bill Heise (MBA Program Director for the Department of Management and Marketing) Jonathan Collins, Zijing Wang and Tiffany McInturf (graduate students), as well as Sam Mellon (a former grad student).
“At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to get that plan to share with us,” said Mains. “I think it’s so important.”
Mains said he believes this will be a great benefit for the Elizabethton/Carter County area.
With this plan, he said he wants the public to know this project is ongoing. While they can’t move too far yet without plans and research, this is ongoing and will continue.
“This is an ongoing project that a lot of people are excited about,” he said. “We are excited for this continued process.”