Planning & Public Participation
Tennessee State Parks are forever and for everyone. Our work is guided by our vision, mission, and core values:
Vision
A thriving system of state parks that engages, enriches, and inspires all Tennesseans and our visitors.
Mission
To preserve, protect, and share Tennessee’s natural and cultural resources while providing safe, quality outdoor experiences.
Core Values
We believe there is inherent value in Tennessee’s natural environment. We believe that the observation and experience of natural beauty and processes in a setting removed from the hectic world of the day-to-day can uplift and re-create the human spirit.
We also believe there is value in physical reminders of our past. Without history, there is nothing upon which to base our understanding of the present or our dreams of the future.
Our natural and cultural resources provide context and continuity to our lives and help to make us whole. The intrinsic worth of these resources is beyond monetary consideration. We so value these things that we intend to preserve and protect them, even in the face of whatever may be the fashion of the moment, so that all may enjoy them forever.
We share these resources and protect them for the benefit of current and future generations, investing in the development of future stewards to carry our work forward. We are committed to providing parks and programs that are safe, welcoming, and inviting to everyone.
With our vision and mission positioned first and foremost, we utilize a Comprehensive System Plan and park-specific Strategic Management Plans to manage our state parks.
Comprehensive Strategic Plan
The Comprehensive System Plan has provided a larger framework to inform and guide the creation of each park’s Strategic Management Plan. These plans are grounded in four cornerstone goals:
The Resources
Exemplary Natural and Cultural Stewardship
Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be nationally recognized for exemplary stewardship of natural and cultural resources.
The Amenities
Well-Maintained Facilities and Amenities
Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be well maintained with facilities and amenities that delight visitors and make Tennesseans proud.
The Visitor
Welcoming and Inviting to All
Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be the most accessible, welcoming, and inviting system of parks that enriches Tennesseans and visitors through excellent interpretation, education, and resource-based recreation.
The Operations
Operational Excellence
Goal: Tennessee State Parks will be a national model for operational excellence in a state park system.
Building on this foundation, strategic management plans were built for individual parks. These Strategic Management Plans can be viewed below. Additionally, this year 11 individual park strategic management plans are being reviewed and will be open to public comment. To view the 2024 Draft Strategic Management Plans please visit the TN State Parks Notices & Hearings page.
Public Comments
2024 - 2025 Public Comments are Now Open
From October 18, 2024 - February 7, 2025, Tennessee State Parks is collecting public comments on park's Strategic Management Plans. The public may provide a verbal comment by attending one of the public hearings listed on the State Parks Public Participation Opportunities page or provide a written comment.
Comments may be submitted virtually via our online comment card.
Tennessee State Parks are forever and for everyone, and we thank you for your interest and support.