Stover Promoted To Area Five Park Manager

Former Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Manager Travis Stover has been promoted to be the new Area Five State Park Manager.

Stover has worked for various Tennessee State Parks in the Upper Cumberland for over 21 years. Stover said the ten state parks in area five are fantastic and that he is excited to take on his new role.

“Kind of go above and beyond and achieve and move the mission of Tennessee state parks forward,” Stover said. “So I’ll be hopefully a catalyst for success and help them in whatever way that they need help. I won’t be in daily management of any particular park I’ll be working with those park managers and the parks staff to help us accomplish our goals.”

Stover said he will assist the Tennessee State Parks in accomplishing the mission of becoming more accessible for all visitors. Stover said in the next few years the parks in area five will reach that goal.

“The Tennessee State Parks is making a big push for improving accessibility to all visitors and that sort of thing,” Stover said. “So I think you’re going to see improvements for accessibility making sure that people have access to our parks and feel welcomed.  We also continue to strive to provide better educational programs and better outreach into our schools, but also to continue to improve our amenities  while we are protecting and preserving our parks resources.”

Stover said state parks are a huge part of Tennessee’s tourism initiative. Stover said many visitors come to the parks and then spend money at local businesses.

“I think having these parks does bring in a lot to the local community,” Stover said. “I hope the citizens understand just what the value that Tennessee State Parks has, not just because they are beautiful but also because of what they bring into our communities.”

Stover will now be managing Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, Standing Stone State Park, Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park, Cordell Hull Birthplace, Cumberland Mountain, Frozen Head, Cove Lake, Indian Mountain, Fort Loudon, and Hiwassee Ocoee State Park. Stover said he is blessed to have this opportunity and get paid to do something he loves.