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Family with a child in a wheelchair enjoying an accessible trail in a Tennessee State Park.
Family in a restroom of a Tennessee State Park using the Adult Changing Table.
Group image of a visitor using an all-terrain wheelchair while talking to others on a trail in a Tennessee State Park.
Tennessee State Park ranger and visitor looking at the all-terrain wheelchair controls together.

    Impact

    As the fundraising partner of Tennessee State Parks, we work to enhance park experiences through funding for diverse resources, projects and programs while conserving natural spaces for everyone to enjoy.

    Tennessee State Parks span nearly 250,000 acres, but our impact reaches much further than that.

    7,185 kids approved for State Park trips. 20% of trails assessed for accessibility. 51 miles constructed on the Cumberland Trail. And $536,000 invested in Tennessee State Parks.

    Supporting Park Experiences Without Physical Limitations

    In his 2023 State of the State Address, Governor Bill Lee stated the goal of having the “most accessible park system in the nation.”

    We work to meet that challenge and expand access to parks by raising funds for things like all-terrain wheelchairs, accessible kayak launches, adult changing tables, colorblind viewfinders, trail accessibility assessments and hardscape projects like ADA parking and redesigned kiosks.

    You can view all accessibility options at Tennessee State Parks here. All-terrain wheelchairs are available free of charge and visitors should contact the park in advance to help ensure availability.

    Harnessing the Power of Natural Spaces

    Nature has a special way of combatting the stress and mental fatigue that are so common in today’s technology-driven world. Time outdoors has been proven to relax our minds and help us focus more effectively. It can also boost productivity, creativity and problem-solving skills.

    Our Kids in Parks program is designed to find new methods for representing diverse, equitable and inclusive dialogues that can be shared not only at our parks, but also in our school classrooms. One of the critical barriers keeping kids and local schools from accessing State Parks is transportation.

    To close the outdoor equity gap, we provide Title 1 public schools with transportation funding support, allowing them to bring students to neighboring parks for educational fieldtrips where they can learn STEM lessons as well as history, art and writing.

    Groups of kids at a Tennessee State Park testing the quality of the park's water.
    Close up of a group of kids testing the pH of a body of water in a Tennessee State Park.

    Through our work to make park experiences more accessible – and by providing resources to attract and inspire new parkgoers – we’re not only spurring the next generation of park supporters, but also fostering healthier, happier communities across the state.

    Our Impact

    Exploring Nature’s Classroom: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

    May 9, 2024 | TN State Parks Conservancy | Impact

    Remember those awe-inspiring childhood field trips where your textbook science lesson came to life right in front of you? That is what the Kids in Parks Program is all about – creating unforgettable moments for the next generation through investments in educational adventures at Tennessee State Parks. This program supports what we know: allowing kids […]

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    Parks of Possibility: Creating New Memories at Radnor Lake State Park

    March 14, 2024 | TN State Parks Conservancy | Impact, TN State Parks Conservancy

    Will and Candie Ferrell Discuss the Transformative Power of Community at Radnor Lake State Park’s All-Terrain Wheelchair Unveiling Event Candie Ferrell and her son Will both foster a deep connection with nature, engaging in recreational opportunities and serving as stewards of their community. Their shared love for the Tennessee state parks system is not unique. […]

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    Get Involved

    Thanks to the support of both individual and corporate donors, we’ve made a significant impact on Tennessee State Parks. From enhancing access to trails, to providing accessible resources and creating immersive learning opportunities – we’re constantly working to support experiences that make a lasting impact on each park visitor. 

    However, there is more work to be done. Help us fund more adventure by clicking the donate button below. Contributions are tax deductible and go directly towards enhancing the Tennessee State Parks system for generations to come.

    Donate

    Economic Impact of Tennessee State Parks

    In addition to physical and mental health benefits, Tennessee State Parks also help drive a thriving economy. A 2021 economic impact study conducted for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) found that TN State Parks drove $2.1 billion in statewide impact, $144 million from capital projects and $31 million from facilities and land maintenance projects.