Message from Park Manager John Christof

In case you wonder how the Friends help and support the Park, this message from John Christof sent to the Friends board today should be informative:

Friends,

Today we have a big group of Tracy City elementary school kids enjoying a field day at the visitor center. It is raining so they are using the picnic shelter that you so generously donated. If it were not for you we would not be able to host this group of 60 children and many teachers and parents.

Conry and Phillip, our maintenance employees from Stone Door, arrived here this morning in the new Ford truck donated by the Friends to pick up supplies. Phillip said that when he went to get the donated truck that he was as excited as if it was his own. No longer do we have to cram four employees in a truck. Finally we can comply with state policy that says we cannot do maintenance in the emergency blue light vehicle. Finally we do not have to use the trash truck to do law enforcement patrol and emergency medical runs.

Ranger Hambrock is buying prizes for the Grundy Lakes annual fishing tournament. He can do this because the Friends have offered to sponsor the event. We are under orders [from the State] to "buy nothing unless it is an emergency", so it is thanks to the Friends that children and families can look forward to a wonderful event on the park on celebrating "Free Fishing Day". I asked Jamie to fly the Friends banner proudly at the sign up table.

I could continue to list wonderful things that the Friends have done to make South Cumberland a better park. However, I need to go now to take 60 children on a tour of the visitor center exhibits. Your generosity and kindness is magnified by the laughter and smiles of these children and I hope that the happiness that they feel today some how finds its way to you through this email.

Thank you for all you do.

Posted by Ron Castle