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Clarksville Officials Joe Pitts, Tim Barnes, and Kaye Jones Announce Greater Access to Dunbar Cave State Park

Electronic gate will especially help Soldiers, ROTC Students

Dunbar Cave State ParkClarksville, TN – State Representative Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville), State Senator Tim Barnes (D-Clarksville) and Ward 11 City Councilwoman Kaye Jones announced this week that residents will have greater access to Dunbar Cave State Park thanks to an upgraded, automatic gate.

“I am grateful to the Department of Environment and Conversation, Tennessee State Parks, and the Dunbar Cave park staff for their help in making this state treasure more accessible,” Pitts said. “Our citizens now have an expanded opportunity to use the park.”

The automatic gate at Dunbar Cave State Natural Area waits for 5:00am.
The automatic gate at Dunbar Cave State Natural Area waits for 5:00am.

The automatic gate will open via an electronic timer on the Old Dunbar Cave Road entrance, giving access to the park before daylight hours. The gate will allow access at approximately 5:00am, adding three hours to the park’s current operating hours.

“Providing greater access to our local parks is a great investment in our people,” Jones said. “It’s another option for those looking for ways to get out and make exercise a regular part of their day.”

The increased access will be especially useful to Fort Campbell soldiers and Austin Peay ROTC students, who use the trails for early morning physical training runs.

“Making this simple improvement will provide greater access to the park for our soldiers,” Barnes said. “This upgrade means our military residents can have a place to fulfill their training in a beautiful, natural setting.”

Hikers at Dunbar Cave State Park take a break in the cool breeze of the cave entrance early one morning.
Hikers at Dunbar Cave State Park take a break in the cool breeze of the cave entrance early one morning.

Dunbar Cave State Park has become a destination for individuals and groups looking for outdoor fitness venues. The issue of gaining early morning access to the park began after phone calls from some of these constituents to their elected officials asking for help.

After bringing the matter to the attention of park officials, it was learned that upgrades to the entrances and other improvements were already in the works to address this and other issues.

Residents looking for more information on Dunbar Cave State park can call 931.648-5526 or visit http://tn.gov/environment/parks/DunbarCave/.

About Tennessee State Parks

Tennessee State Parks 75th AnniversaryThis year marks Tennessee State Parks’ 75th Anniversary and a variety of special events will be held throughout 2012.  Established through legislation in 1937, Tennessee’s 53 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families, or business and professional groups.  State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses.

For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call 1.888.867-2757. For additional information, visit the Web site at www.tnstateparks.com.

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