David Crockett State Park Manager Discusses State Park Program at Lawrenceburg Rotary

Photo Caption: State Park Manager and Rotarian Ann Paley

The Lawrenceburg Rotary Club welcomed Rotarian Ann Paley, Manager of David Crockett State Park, as the guest speaker at the club’s Friday meeting on November 7, 2025. Paley shared a comprehensive overview of the park’s history, current operations, and future plans as part of Tennessee’s State Parks system. Paley began with the history of David Crockett State Park, noting that the land was purchased in 1957 and the park was officially dedicated in 1959. It commemorates frontiersman David Crockett, who once operated a gristmill, distillery, and powder mill along Shoal Creek. The park now employs 14 full-time staff, a number that doubles during the busy summer months. Amenities include cabins, camping areas, a gift shop, and various visitor services. Natural resources within the park feature waterways, hiking trails, a boat dock, and historic sites that attract a wide range of guests. In 2024, the park recorded over one million visitors, including both day-use guests and overnight campers. Paley also discussed the park’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on sustainability, accessibility, and expanded visitor engagement. A significant portion of her remarks addressed the park’s history of segregation. Until 1962, David Crockett State Park maintained separate facilities for Black visitors in a section located off Factory Creek Road, which was operated by J.T. Christian. Paley emphasized the importance of preserving and acknowledging this part of the park’s past as Tennessee State Parks continue working toward inclusive interpretation and education. Looking ahead, Paley outlined several planned projects for 2025–2026, including:

Museum renovation

Conversion of the old pool area into a new playground

Renovations at the Scout Camp

Amphitheater improvements

She also provided an overview of upcoming events and described the diverse range of ranger-led activities available to visitors year-round, from environmental education programs to guided hikes and historical tours. The Lawrenceburg Rotary Club expressed its appreciation to Ann Paley for sharing an informative and engaging presentation. Her leadership underscores the park’s enduring role in both preserving history and providing recreation opportunities for the citizens of Lawrence County and beyond.