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By Charlotte Underwood
CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – A handful of citizens attended the public input meeting at Cove Lake State Park Tuesday regarding possible future outdoor recreational options to replace the swimming pool.
Last week the state parks system announced 11 pools would be closing as of Summer 2022 due to outdated facilities and attendance numbers being down. Being 72 years old, Cove Lake’s pool was on that list. The state also announced it would be providing $400,000 per park to provide some form of outdoor recreation facilities since pools were closing. The state is looking to invest in year round recreational options, where the pool was only open 70 days out of each year.
The public in attendance at the meeting were offered comment cards regarding what recreational option they might prefer. Park officials had several tables set up with information and comment cards available.
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Regional Director of Internal Affairs John LeCroy headed up the meeting. Cove Lake Park Manager Casey Hatmaker was in attendance, as were other park staff. Area manager Kim Moore was also at the meeting, as was County Mayor E.L. Morton.
According to LeCroy “all comments are being documented and being sent to upper leadership.”
“The state has $400,000 to invest in the park and we want feedback from the public on what fits in the community,” LeCroy said.
Several in attendance at the meeting suggested recreational options such as a disc golf course and a skate park.
The state will be taking public input and comments until January 19, 2022. All comments will be documented and taken into review, according to LeCroy.
Comments can also be made online by visiting HERE to provide input regarding future recreational options. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/15/2021-6AM)