Buchanan, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has honored Paris Landing State Park as winner of the 2019 Excellence in Facilities Management Award for Tennessee State Parks.
Parks nominated in the facilities management category are those that have demonstrated excellence in the care of their park and its facilities in order to enhance quality customer experience. Park maintenance activities include facility maintenance, preventative maintenance, grounds and trail maintenance, and cleanliness and upkeep of the park.
“We are pleased to recognize the work being done at Paris Landing State Park,” Jim Bryson, deputy commissioner of TDEC, said. “A lot goes into the facilities at our parks, and the staff at this park has done an outstanding job. Paris Landing is a great attraction for our visitors.”
Among the maintenance efforts at the park, the staff upgraded 15 campsites, installed tankless gas water heaters in all 10 cabins, installed CO2 water heaters in campground bath houses and the marina, remodeled the camp store so a 24-hour hour laundry can be accessed by visitors, and cleared nearly one mile of shore line for an enhanced view.
The park added high-speed wifi to its marina, removed approximately 150 hazardous trees, converted remaining parking lot lighting to LED, upgraded swimming pool lines and valves, diving boards, chlorinator and other pool equipment, and improved an equipment shed.
The Tennessee State Park Awards were created to recognize excellent work in the parks and is overseen by the Park Area Managers. Parks and Conservation directors vote on the awards, which are presented annually in January at an award ceremony during a parks management conference. Categories for the awards include facilities management, innovation, interpretation, resource management, and sustainability.
Photo: From left are Mike Dobis, area manager; TDEC Commissioner David Salyers; Zach Tinkle, park manager; Tim Caldwell, park manager; Mike Robertson, parks director; and Jim Bryson, deputy commissioner.