Country Connections by James Perry
I want to thank Marilyn Toppins for her article on Union County’s mayor and commissioners, along with the TVA and TWRA to decide to drastically change Big Ridge State Park to appeal to motorhomes and campers, and to ignore local residents’ need for a recreational facility nearby. Norris Lake has been bought by outsiders and is, for now, closed to locals for swimming, fishing and camping.
If you don’t believe me, take a boat ride over Norris Lake and look at the homes built just feet from the summer line. Access to Norris Lake is only possible with paid parking for launching vehicles which keep many locals without boats from accessing the lake.
I grew up on a farm that went down to the 1040 line. While growing up if land was bought from TVA, you as the landowner could not prevent access to the lake. Not the same today.
My proposal to the parties involved in these plans is to cancel the RV sites (two of them). Build the new free parking and launch area, improve the swimming area, stock the lake in the park on a frequent basis and encourage more fishing by children.
Build more rental cabins. Build new bicycle roads. Build new hiking trails. Put a nice concession stand near the swimming area with a seating area nearby. Have summer venues similar to the late summer bluegrass festival. Have a Christmas light trail that can be driven through a week before Christmas.
Try to work with Union County High School and plant seasonal and native flowers and shrubs along roads, trails, and woods.
In other words, spruce up Big Ridge Park. Build new cabins for tourists and area locals. It will flourish.