Tennessee Governor Bill Lee recently visited the Scenic City and made stops at two locations, one of which was Booker T. Washington State Park. The park, originally established as a segregated park for Chattanooga’s African American community, has been undergoing changes over the years. With a renewed focus on conservation, officials hope to attract more visitors to the park. Greer Tidwell, the deputy director of the Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation, emphasizes the importance of Booker T. Washington State Park. Governor Lee led a delegation to the park and had the opportunity to explore the community center, pavilion, and a newly constructed 400-meter trail designed for ADA accessibility. Don Tate, ADA Coordinator and Director of Facilities Construction, expresses the goal of bringing people to all state parks, including Booker T. Washington. This new trail is part of a larger effort to improve the state park system, with nearly $500 million committed in this year’s budget for upgrades and restoration. Although plans for renovations are still being considered, a new event center accommodating around 200 people will be built. The center aims to host weddings, family gatherings, and anniversaries. No official date has been announced for its completion. Governor Lee also delivered a speech at the Governor’s Conference, discussing Tennessee’s current economic state. He emphasized the state’s success, particularly in rural areas, and expressed his anticipation for the next 25 years. The governor’s appearance at the conference concluded the two-day event, which featured speakers from across the state.