Friends of Norris Dam State Park

8/20/2020 Update from Park Manager Greear The summer months at the park have been extremely busy and also a challenge to navigate uncharted waters.  We have implemented measures to keep programs limited and recently implemented mask requirements for the interior of all park buildings and facilities. We have increased our presence of social media by offering “Museum Minute with Mike” that features Mike Mlekodaj from the Lenoir Museum.  He has done an excellent job of offering weekly short informative videos that feature various artifacts that are featured in the museum. The park is looking into ways to engage with students on-line this fall to offer educational opportunities.  We are excited to see more visitors completing the “Norris Dam 84-Mile Challenge.”  This has turned out to be an great social distancing activity to encourage a healthy outdoor lifestyle that visitors can complete at their convenience.  There is still time to complete, as mileage logs can be submitted until December 1, 2020.   Lastly, our pontoon boat tours continue to be a very popular programs.  There are limited numbers for the programs and we are looking forward to offering fall color boat tours. We are looking forward to a new fiscal year with many exciting projects coming our way.  In September, the much needed tennis courts are getting resurfaced and will include full-size tennis courts, as well as a pickleball court.   We also plan on making improvements to the standard cabins located on the west side of the park and improvements to the east campground. In addition to seeing more park improvements, we have new addition to our park staff.  Joseph Gamble has been selected as our new park ranger.  He comes from Etowah, TN and has worked as seasonally and full-time for State Parks since 2010.  Joseph is a history major from Lee University, and he has spent most of his time with TN State Parks working at historic parks such as Fort Loudoun, Davy Crockett Birthplace, and Sgt. Alvin C. York.  We are excited to have welcome Joseph to Norris Dam State Park and use his expertise to help develop our Civilian Conservation Corp living history program.