Editor’s note: For photos from today’s event, click here.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 1, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined state tourism and parks leaders at the Old State Capitol to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Kentucky State Parks system. During the celebration, the Governor highlighted the importance of investing in state parks and urged the public to show their support by visiting.
“Our state parks have provided unforgettable experiences for families for 100 years, from hiking the scenic hills of Appalachia to boating on the sparkling waters in Western Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky tourism is a $13.8 billion industry, and our state parks play a significant role in offering unique opportunities to travelers. As we celebrate the centennial anniversary, I encourage everyone to support our state parks by exploring the wonderful experiences they provide.”
In 1924, the Kentucky General Assembly established a parks commission under the leadership of State Geological Surveyor Dr. Willard Rouse Jillson. Their mission was to identify park sites of exceptional natural or historical importance. In 1926, Pine Mountain, Natural Bridge, Fort Harrod and the now-closed Blue and Gray were recognized in the legislative record as the first four Kentucky State Parks. On July 1, 1924, Dr. Jillson delivered a historic speech to the General Assembly, underscoring the importance of acquiring and preserving natural parks under state custodianship for the enjoyment of future generations.
“For a century, Kentucky State Parks have served visitors from within the commonwealth and beyond, imprinting memories on generations of children who have grown up to bring their own families to visit,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “Parks are integral to tourism, while also supplying jobs and supporting nearby businesses such as restaurants, retail and recreational facilities.”
“The parks system holds a special place in the heart of Kentuckians and is one of our most beloved legacies,” said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer. “With annual revenue of $53 million, the parks system ranks third in the nation for revenue production while employing nearly 600 full-time employees and approximately 1,000 seasonal staff each year. We are very proud to celebrate our parks and hope everyone will make plans to visit us this year.”
Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses, with breathtaking views of mountain ranges, waterfalls, wildlife, scenic hiking trails, caves to explore, fishing, boating, kayaking, nationally recognized golf courses, camping, lodges, historic sites, museums and more offering opportunities for exploration, entertainment and education to Kentuckians and visitors from across the world. Along with their natural, historic and economic significance, Gov. Beshear has used Kentucky State Parks and their dedicated teams to respond to tornadoes, flooding and other natural disasters by opening their doors to Kentuckians during difficult times.
During the legislative session, Gov. Beshear signed House Joint Resolution 56, releasing $71 million for capital construction projects, including building system upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. Gov. Beshear also signed House Bill 6, allocating over $66 million for state park upgrades for various state parks.
Gov. Beshear recently joined state tourism leaders and local officials to announce that Pikeville in Pike County has officially been certified as the commonwealth’s 29th Kentucky Trail Town. The Kentucky Trail Town program, managed by Kentucky State Parks, is a tourism and economic development program designed to provide a strategic plan for communities to capitalize on recreation opportunities within their communities.
Pikeville’s Kentucky Trail Town certification follows the Governor’s announcement that 2023 was the best year on record for tourism, with $13.8 billion in economic impact and 95,222 jobs. This followed a record-breaking 2022 when he announced tourism had generated more than $12.9 billion in economic impact and secured 91,668 jobs in Kentucky that year.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last four years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism industry. In November 2023, Gov. Beshear announced that the commonwealth broke an all-time record with nine new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $292.1 million in economic investment. These projects also are expected to create 550 jobs once operational.
The state’s bourbon and spirits industry recorded its best year for growth in 2022, with over $2.1 billion in new investments and approximately 700 new jobs for Kentucky residents. The sector followed with a strong 2023, including $713.8 million in new investments and 229 full-time jobs. Since the start of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced roughly 100 new location and expansion projects within the bourbon and spirits sector, contributing to over $4.2 billion in new investments and more than 1,800 full-time jobs for Kentuckians.
In 2022, Gov. Beshear announced $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated $5.3 million in federal funding to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties.
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $31.7 billion in announced investments, creating approximately 53,500 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
Kentucky State Parks is planning a series of events and programming throughout 2024 to celebrate its 100th anniversary. For the latest updates and information, visit Celebrating 100 Years (ky.gov). For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
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