Fall Creek Falls Rededicates Nature Center During Grand Opening

Tennessee state officials gathered at Fall Creek Falls State Park Friday to rededicate the park’s nature center in honor of former First Lady Betty Dunn.

Park Manager Jacob Young said despite multiple delays and additional funding needs, the Betty Dunn Nature Center has finally reopened.

“[The project] ended up totaling about $1.2 million in upgrades that’s come to the Nature Center from the ADA pathways outside, to the upgraded overlooks, to the new restroom on the back and the septic upgrade,” Young said. “All those things have happened and they’re good. We were able to get some additional funding to do some upgrades to the outside of the building.”

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers said having Former Governor Winfield Dunn and his wife in attendance made the event special.

“It’s such a moving experience to be sitting with these two great Tennesseans and the contributions they’ve made,” Salyers said. “I’ve always heard Governor Winfield Dunn called ‘the gentleman governor’ and he certainly is, and his wife is a great model as a First Lady. So we’re so happy to be at this park and we’re so happy to celebrate the contributions that they made over their years.”

First Lady Dunn reflected on her days while Winfield was in office, telling of times when they would visit Fall Creek Falls with family and friends during the 1970s.

“We loved it and we came up often, and we brought people from all over the state to see this beautiful place,” Dunn said. “Our friends from Memphis couldn’t believe what they were seeing. This is so beautiful, so I’m really thrilled to be here today. I feel like I’m kind of embarrassed to see my name in a public place, but I’m happy to be back.”

The Betty Dunn Nature Center was first dedicated to the former First Lady when it first opened 45 years ago in 1974.

Governor Dunn said he appreciates Fall Creek Falls’ and Tennessee’s continued support and recognition of his wife.

“It’s certainly uplifting to me to have others recognize the contributions Betty has made to our state over the years,” Dunn said. “It’s been very pleasant today. I’m so happy to be in this part of our state. I can’t get over the beauty of the landscape and the highway system. It’s a wonderful trip for me.”

Young said the park will next look to update several displays within the Nature Center once additional funding becomes available.