Kentucky Ag Connection - Parks Receiving Improvements Under 'Refreshing the Finest'

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Parks Receiving Improvements Under 'Refreshing the Finest'
Kentucky Ag Connection - 07/01/2016

Secretary of Tourism, Arts and Heritage Don Parkinson and Commissioner of Kentucky State Parks Donnie Holland announced that four western Kentucky State Park resorts will receive an estimated $3.7 million in safety and aesthetic improvements over the next two years. A video of the event is available here.

The funding is part of the $18 million approved this year by Gov. Matt Bevin and the General Assembly. The improvements include structural repairs, painting and interior and exterior upgrades. The work for the "Refreshing the Finest" campaign will be carried out through 2017.

"Kentucky State Parks have an $889 million impact on the economy of Kentucky," said Sec. Parkinson. "This funding will ensure that these parks receive much needed upgrades."

Planned upgrades at the four resort parks include painting and repairing the exterior of the lodge and convention center at Lake Barkley State Resort Park; lodge repairs and painting at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park; painting the tennis center and lodge at Kenlake State Resort Park; and repairing and painting some cottages at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.

Much of the work currently underway is being carried out by Kentucky State Park crews, Holland said. Additional projects will be put out for bid.

"We're glad to have this funding to start addressing some of the needs at our state parks," Holland said. "It won't cover all of our needs, but it's a good start."

Local leaders in attendance were glad to hear the news.

"The South West Kentucky Economic Development Council applauds this funding effort for our state parks system," executive director Liana Mitchell Wallace said. "Tourism is an essential component to economic growth in the Commonwealth."

"The local communities are proud to see the investment in our state parks. The parks are economic catalysts for these communities," said Bill Stevens, executive director of the Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist Commission.

For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

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