Decatur County News

Decatur County’s Parks and Recreation System

2005 Year End Update - by Dan Brigance

The past year saw major accomplishments and improvements in Decatur County’s Parks and Recreation System. The Parks and Recreation system consists of more than fifteen facilities and includes several hundred acres of forest and grassland for public enjoyment.

Decatur County Mayor Broadway has strongly emphasized maintaining, upgrading and expansion of Parks and Recreation facilities in Decatur County. Consequently, during 2004, Jeff Kobiske was appointed Director of Decatur County Parks and Recreation.

Since then immediate, positive action has been taken to drastically improve and streamline management practices. Immediately, a team consisting of State, County and local officials was organized to enhance the efficiency and quality of County Parks and Recreation facilities. During 2005, Decatur County’s parks became the first in Tennessee to be tier rated by the Department of National Parks and Recreation. To become tier rated requires Parks and Recreation systems to exceed standards set forth by the State for operating and maintenance. Decatur County facilities are operated on sound, state approved business basis. The County has a five year operating plan and statements, maintenance plans and schedules, standard operating procedures and established personal policies. The tier rating contributes a hundred points to the Three Star Program and places our County in preferred status toward receiving grants, benefits and other favorable considerations.

Jeff was recently recognized at the annual Tennessee Parks and Recreation Association conference this past year and was nominated and elected to the position of West District Chairman (The West District consists of all counties west of the Tennessee River) His Serving on the State wide Tennessee Parks and Recreation Board of Directors, will provide our county with direct input at a state level.

The Parks Director in partnership with State and County officials are developing Carroll Cabin Barrens. This is a natural area park in Bath Springs, scheduled to open in April this year. Carroll Cabin Barrens will be a 200 acre nature interpretive area, with trails, observation decks and overlook areas. From certain points and higher peaks, one may observe miles of beautiful, natural scenery without obstruction. Some of the plant life is near extinction, existing only in or near the park and certain locations in the Ozark and Rocky Mountain areas. Plants, grasses, trees will be identified and labeled by Decatur County Agriculture Extension Service. Wild bird and animal life is abundant within the Park. Individuals of different age groups and varied interests from across the Country are expected to frequent the park. Mayor Broadway, Parks Director Kobiske, Commissioner Dan Brigance and State Coordinator Chad Hardin have worked closely in developing this facility. The project is primarily State funded, with portions of labor and machine work provided by the County. Maintenance and future improvements to the park are primarily State responsibilities, with limited assistance and resources from the County.

Beech Bend Park saw increased improvement the past year with addition of boat rentals and camp store. The park received a face-lift with new painting, clean up work and signage replacement. The park is well kept and top condition. Plans are currently ongoing to create mass media advertising, including TV commercials web site etc. to attract additional visitors to Beech Bend this summer.

The Convention Center saw increased activity last year, hosting several new and very exciting events. The Tennessee Timber and Lumber show was one of the largest highlights of the year. Over 2700 attended the show, mostly from outside the County, bringing in over $50,000.00 additional revenue. Kobiske observed revenues for businesses would have likely been much greater, had there been additional, suitable lodging facilities to have accommodated everyone. Many were required to travel to surrounding counties for motel and lodging accommodations. The County gained statewide recognition by highlights of the event being broadcast on Tennessee Crossroads TV show and Farm Bureau Network. The show is scheduled to be held again later this year at the Convention Center.

The Civic Center saw a huge increase in usage and activity during recent months. Mayor Broadway pointed to the completion of much needed improvements and repair work around the facility, attracting many more to use the Civic Center, with increased activity expected to continue. The swimming pool has been repaired, cleaned and totally upgraded. New lounge chairs and picnic tables have been placed around the pool adding attraction and comfort. The entire facility is now more refreshing, brighter in appearance inside and out. The buildings have been totally cleaned, repainted and repaired. Surrounding grounds are newly landscaped and lawn reseeded with fresh sod added. The concession stand has been remodeled, newly painted and reopened with a more pleasant, refreshing appearance, for convenience and enjoyment.

This year saw the first statewide bus tours to Brownsport Furnace. Additional emphasis and attention is being directed to this site recently. Mayor Broadway, and the Parks Director, are working with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Tennessee Historic Preservation Department and State Historical Society, planning for Brownsport as an interpretive historical site. Jeff expressed hope that funding may soon be available to develop this significant site, preserve and maintained it as an important part of the County’s historical heritage.

The Saddle Club has increased in membership the past year and the riding arena received a new PA system and much needed face-lift including newly painted bleachers the past year. Mr. Dale Ivey and Board of Directors are commended for improvements and increased growth of the Saddle Club and arena.

In final analysis, Jeff remarked that he “...felt great strides had been made in our County’s parks system. But, many more improvements are needed.” We will continue to work toward improving what we have and look for means to develop additional sites. I would like to thank each and every person that has shared in our success and let you know; I serve you with greatest pleasure. When Jeff was asked if he was optimistic about an amphitheater for Decatur County in the future, He replied with a quick smile, “Yes Sir - indeed I am.”

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