Panther Creek State Park Honored for Operational Excellence

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has honored Panther Creek State Park in Hamblen County with the Excellence in Operations Award as part of the Tennessee State Parks annual Awards of Excellence.

"The leadership at Panther Creek State Park has focused on strengthening its people, processes and preparedness, resulting in a well-operated park that provides a high level of service to its guests," said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers.

"I am proud of this team for creating systems and partnerships that help keep the park running safely and effectively, enabling them to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and respected Tennessee outdoor ambassadors," said Brian Clifford, deputy commissioner of TDEC's Bureau of Conservation. "This is a team of professionals who have perfected operational efficiencies that provide more time to focus on their work outdoors."

The team at Panther Creek State Park includes two Certified Park and Recreation Professionals, one of the highest certifications bestowed by the National Recreation and Park Association. Staff have utilized new operational tools such as a comprehensive law enforcement officer handbook, a HAZCOM plan and improved inspection procedures for park residences, fire equipment and adaptive mobility devices. Emergency response capabilities at the park grew and response times decreased through a partnership with the Hamblen County GIS Department and a joint park-mapping project. The park's leadership improved operational efficiency of its gift shop by expanding the staff with grant funds and constructing a new seasonal residence that supports programming and future recruitment. The team's commitment to structure, safety and a well-trained staff has ensured reliable, high-quality service every day.

The Excellence in Operations Award recognizes a park for distinguished achievement in strengthening the systems that support effective park management. The evaluation considers how staff capacity is developed, how performance standards are applied, how resources are managed responsibly and how operations are sustained during periods of significant challenge or complexity, in alignment with the Tennessee State Parks 10-Year Comprehensive Strategic Plan.

TDEC announced the following awards for parks in other categories:

• State Park of the Year: Roan Mountain State Park
• Excellence in Resource Stewardship Award: Johnsonville State Historic Park
• Excellence in Visitor Experience Award: Pickwick Landing State Park
• Excellence in Amenities Award: Pickett CCC Memorial State Park