Tennessee State Parks will hold public meetings at 11 parks across the state in the coming weeks to discuss site management plans specific to those parks. The series of meetings will include Old Stone State Archeological Park in Manchester.

The plan for each park is part of a 10-year Comprehensive Strategic Plan that guides the operations of all 59 state parks in Tennessee. The meetings are an opportunity to hear more about the plans from each park’s staff with an opportunity for public response. The parks will develop specific strategic management proposals and invite input about those objectives. The in-person meetings will be held at or near the individual parks.

Key components of the plans for each park focus on four cornerstones of park management: resource stewardship; visitor experience; facilities and amenities; and operational excellence.

“While we have a statewide strategic plan, we want to engage visitors about the specific parks they frequent,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner of Conservation for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “We welcome everyone to the meetings. We’re committed to having the best state parks system in the nation.”

The Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 4, 5:30 p.m. at Manchester Coffee County Conference Center, 147 Hospitality Blvd., Manchester.

Other meetings of nearby parks will include Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 5:30 p.m. at the Rec Hall at Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2001 Village Camp Rd., Spencer.

A theme throughout the plan is the commitment to a high-quality parks system that delivers world-class parks, trails, and facilities, is known regionally and nationally for its standard of excellence and supports unique outdoor recreation opportunities for all. This comes while contributing to local economies and the quality of life in Tennessee.

Comments will be accepted through Feb. 7, 2025 in an online survey or via mail. Anyone interested in the comprehensive strategic plan can view the proposals at https://www.tn.gov/environment/parks-conservation/ppp.html.