Big Ridge State Park Ranger Hannah Pascall informed the UC Historical Society about the restoration projects at the park during the November meeting. Ranger Pascall explained that Big Ridge was set up as a demonstration park in 1939 with the buildings and stone works built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The historical park will have three major renovation projects from 2024 through 2030 including the gatehouse, the cabins and the beach house.

Gatehouse
The gatehouse is one of the original structures built by the CCC. It is only 204 square feet with an office and small bathroom. Originally, the gatehouse had a gatekeeper who collected ten cents for each vehicle that entered the park. The plan is for the gatehouse to become a small museum after a two-phase renovation.

During phase one, the interior will be cleaned and painted. The desk will be restored and perhaps inlaid with pictures of the park construction and establishment. Interpretive panels will tell the story of the development of TVA and the removal of landowners that resulted as the impoundment of Norris Lake occurred. Additional panels will focus on the role of the CCC and life in the 1930s in the Big Ridge and Union County, as well as the opening of the park. Exterior signage to direct visitors to the gatehouse will be installed. The gatehouse will open in the spring of 2025 with a key checkout system. Visitors will check out a key from the office by registering their name, home address and other information. After the gatehouse visit, they return the key to the office. Visitors may visit during office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In phase two, the plan is for the park to purchase artifacts that will expand the panel information and add interpretive displays with overlays to show the area and the changes from 1930 to the present. A video will further explain the CCC. Security upgrades will be installed. Phase two is expected to be completed in July of 2026 and depends on further state funding and the My TN State Park Fundraiser that usually occurs in April.

Cabins
Cabins are being renovated during the rest of 2024 and most of 2025. About one-third of the cabins will open in November of 2025 and remain open year round. The rest will be seasonal and scheduled to reopen in April of 2026. The exterior will be restored to look very much as they did when originally constructed. The inside floor plans will also be returned to the original as much as possible. But the inside will be updated with modern HVAC systems, new vintage-looking furnishings, and improved bathroom infrastructure. Chimneys and fireplaces will be restored to working order.

Beach House
An iconic building that many visitors enjoyed in the 1950s and 1960s was the beach house. Plans are to restore the wall in front of the beach house. The bathrooms will be upgraded and modernized but will most likely not have showers or be used as a bathhouse for the swimming area. The central section will become an educational interpretive center to serve school groups and visitors. The roof will be replaced. This two-phase project is not expected to be completed until 2030 or later. The only immediate upgrade will be the new roof.

Big Ridge offers several seasonal activities. Summer offers two camps for youth. The Junior Ranger camp is a way for youth to learn about nature and the outdoors. Children ages six to fourteen can also become Junior Rangers by downloading the guide from the tnstateparks.com website and completing the activities. The boater safety camp teaches the fundamentals of sailing, canoeing and other water craft. Both of these camps require registration and the payment of a fee at the park office. Big Ridge offers a summer swimming area that does not have a lifeguard. Picnic areas, the campground, the office, the gift shop, the playground and hiking trails are open every day. There is no restaurant, but the gift shop offers picnic supplies and snacks.

Big Ridge Park is located at 1015 Big Ridge Park Road, Maynardville, TN 37807. Contact the office by calling 865 992 5523 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For reservations, call 1 888 TN PARKS (1 888 867 2757). The next event is a Christmas Ornament Party on Saturday, December 7, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the recreation hall next to the boathouse and dock. The cost is $10 with children under 7 free. One adult is required for every two children. Call the office or email Ranger Hannah Pascall: hannah.pascall@tn.gov.

During the meeting, attendees elected officers and board members for 2025. Ellen Perry will be the president and Charles Hamilton will become vice president. Jo Gibson is the secretary and Glenda Cooke is the treasurer. New board members are David Monroe and Marilyn Toppins. The historical society meets on the third Sunday monthly at the Union County Museum at 2:30. To join is $20 and members get a historical quarterly in March, June, September and December. The public is encouraged to visit the museum on Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On January 19, 2025, Archie Reynolds will discuss the Matriarchal Hierarchy of the Cherokee and other Native American tribes. The public is invited to attend at 2:30 p.m. at the Union County Museum.