NASHVILLE – Tennessee State Parks today announced the installation of adult-sized changing tables at eight state parks to increase accessibility for all visitors, bringing the total number of state parks with the tables to 18 and further entrenching the state park system as the most accessible in the nation. Paris Landing State Park already has them installed.
The changing tables enhance accessibility for tasks such as toileting. They assist changing for adults with disabilities, children, and teens. Beyond being more convenient and dignified for visitors who need them, tables like these open new possibilities for traveling and enjoying parks for many visitors and their caregivers. The tables utilize a remote to adjust the height of the table. Each table lowers to approximately 12 inches off the ground and reaches a height of 39.5 inches when raised.
State Parks with the tables announced today are:
Chickasaw State Park
Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park at Head of Sequatchie
Mousetail Landing State Park
Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park
Cedars of Lebanon State Park
Harrison Bay State Park
Warriors’ Path State Park
Bledsoe Creek State Park (two tables)
“We are excited about these additional changing tables because they create more opportunities for more visitors at our parks,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). “The tables reflect our continuing commitment to serving everyone who wants to enjoy a great outdoors experience.”
“These additional adult-sized changing tables will allow more families to have the ability to enjoy our state parks with dignity and respect, and just in time for the summer recreation season,” said Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, who sponsored a House resolution encouraging TDEC to install adult-sized changing tables in the state parks. “Ever since I learned about this issue from a constituent years ago, increasing the number of adult-sized changing tables available across the state has been a priority, and I am grateful to the Tennessee State Parks and their partners for helping to make our parks accessible to all.”
The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy purchased the two tables at Bledsoe Creek State Park, although the state paid for the installation. The other tables are fully funded by state dollars.
State parks that had already been announced with adult-sized changing stations are:
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Johnsonville State Historic Park
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Montgomery Bell State Park
Natchez Trace State Park
Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
Paris Landing State Park
Pickwick Landing State Park
Red Clay State Historic Park
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Tennessee State Parks is focused on reducing barriers that limit access to enjoying the natural, cultural, and recreational offerings throughout the park system. More information, including a video, about changing tables in Tennessee State Parks can be found online. Information about overall accessibility in the parks is also on the parks website. More information about the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy can also be found online.