Community Invited to Help Shape New State Park on Historic McDonald Farm in Hamilton County
Photo Courtesy of McDonald Farm
In The Know with Gino…
Tennessee State Parks officials are inviting residents and park enthusiasts to participate in shaping a new state park on a historic farm in Hamilton County. The upcoming project involves transforming a significant portion of McDonald Farm into a public recreational area, with an open house scheduled to gather community input on the park’s master plan.
The open house will take place on July 16th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Harvest Barn located on McDonald Farm at 16705 Coulterville Road in Sale Creek. Attendees will have the opportunity to share ideas and provide feedback to help guide the development of the park, which is expected to preserve natural landscapes and enhance outdoor recreation options for the region.
The new park will encompass approximately 1,300 acres in Hamilton and Rhea counties, with the total area reaching roughly 2,500 acres once existing state-owned parcels are included. The site will border over 300 acres of McDonald Farm that will remain a Hamilton County park. Additionally, it will connect to the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park, a sprawling 300-mile linear park that traverses the Cumberland Plateau from Chickamauga Gorge to Cumberland Gap.
Officials emphasize the importance of this project in maintaining a connection to McDonald Farm’s historic roots while creating a gateway for outdoor activities and trail exploration. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by Tennessee to expand and enhance its state parks system, supported by funding approved in the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget.
This will mark Tennessee’s 70th state park and the 14th established under Governor Bill Lee’s administration, setting a record for the most parks created during a single term.
As planning progresses, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) encourages the public to participate in an online survey to share their preferences and ideas for the park’s development. The survey is accessible HERE, inviting broad community input to shape the future of this new recreational destination.
While registration for the open house is recommended, it is not mandatory for attendance, and community members interested in helping craft the park’s future are welcome to join.
SOURCE: Chattanooga Pulse
