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Tennessee State Parks have an economic impact of $1.9 billion dollars in the state and support employment of 13,587 people, according to an analysis by a leading economic consulting firm.

Meanwhile, a planned conference center to be constructed at Panther Creek State Park in Hamblen County is in its final design phase.

According to State Sen. Steve Sutherland (R-Morristown), the state’s “Stream Team” reported to him that the project to replace the Panther Creek Park swimming pool is in its final phase of design and is expected to be bid this Spring.

“If we have a successful bid opening, we anticipate construction can start in the Summer and take 400 days to complete,” Sutherland said.

In early December 2021, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced that the Panther Creek Pool, along with those at 10 other state parks would not reopen due to the costs to repair aging facilities and the limited opening time of the pools due to students leaving for college before a Labor Day closing date.

Tennessee State Parks officials said at that time that reopening was unfeasible due to aging facilities, declining visitation pre-COVID 19, and high expenses. For Panther Creek, the cost of repairs would haven been around $580,000 according to former Hamblen County Mayor Bill Brittain.

Brittain, Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney, County Commissioners Eileen Arnwine and Bobby Haun shared their concerns over closing the only public pool in Hamblen County and were also disappointed that they were not included in the decision to close the pool as it impacts the local community during a press conference almost four years ago.

Tennessee State Parks had set aside $400,000 for each park to invest in new outdoor recreation activities.

Nestled on the shores of Cherokee Lake, the rolling hills and valleys offer 30-miles of trails that ramble the tranquil woods and hug the shoreline. This also includes seven miles of equestrian trails, water access for paddling and fishing, great habitat for wildflower and bird watching opportunities, an 18-hole championship disc golf course with wooded and open fairways and concrete tees.

Seasonal canoe and kayak rentals are available through River Sports Outfitters.

Based on figures from fiscal year 2024, the report by Impact DataSource says the parks created $550 million in annual household income for Tennessee families. Because of the strong performance, state parks generated $111.8 million in state taxes and $22.1 million in local tax revenue. Overall, Tennessee State Parks account for $1.1 billion of Tennessee’s gross domestic product.

“Tennessee continues to invest in a conservation strategy for our state’s future, and Tennessee State Parks are a cornerstone of our efforts,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Tennessee’s natural beauty and rich resources drive tourism and our economy, particularly in rural areas, and we welcome Tennesseans and visitors alike to enjoy all that the Volunteer State’s great outdoors have to offer.”

“We are proud of the impact our state parks have on the Tennessee economy,” said David Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. “We are grateful to Gov. Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly for having such vision and commitment to conservation, and the figures show how that works for all Tennesseans.”

The governor’s conservation strategy, launched in 2023, includes the addition of more new parks than any administration. The plan balances the state’s economic growth, especially in rural areas, while protecting the state’s natural resources. Admission to each of the Tennessee State Parks is free.

The conservation strategy makes new investments in Tennessee State Parks lodges and maintains a focus on making Tennessee’s state parks the most accessible in the nation, identifying and eliminating barriers that may exist for parks visitors.

The analysis presents the impact of state park visitors’ spending in the local region and state, along with expenditures in operations, maintenance, capital, and grants

Impact DataSource, is an Austin, Texas, economic consulting, research, and analysis firm founded in 1993. The firm has conducted over 2,500 economic impact analyses of firms, projects, and activities in most industry groups in Tennessee and in more than 35 other states.