PC Park 2016 Update

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http://www.somerset-kentucky.com/news/b ... ntent=READ

Big changes at Pulaski County Park

By BILL MARDIS Commonwealth Journal
2 hrs ago


 PC Park

57461cbb91e03_image.jpg (199.13 KiB) Viewed 3126 times

David Morris


“My intent is progress, but I don’t want to divide people. If we can’t do it one way, we will find another way to do it.”

Pulaski County Judge-executive Steve Kelley was alluding to controversy last year that threatened existence of Pulaski County Park. He emphasized a revival of interest, making the only county-operated park on Lake Cumberland a jewel among parks along the 101-mile-long lake.

Talk of a summer concert that would attract up to 10,000 people generated heated debate; contentions that access to the park would not accommodate a gathering of that size. Then, corridor annexation of five acres of the park by Burnside to make possible the sale of alcoholic beverages infuriated residents of Nancy and western Pulaski County and triggered talk of the county abandoning the park.


“That’s off the table ... we’re not even opening that door,” said Kelley. “It was an idea and we found quickly it wouldn’t work.”

Five acres of the park remain in the city limits of Burnside but Kelley said “ ... it will have no effect in any shape or form. The county still operates the park and is responsible for its maintenance.”

Improvements are ongoing and visitors can tell the park near Nancy has taken on new life by theme signage, expanding camping and RV sites, numerous immaculately clean portable toilets and manicured acres framed by forested foothills and deep blue water.

A new sign along Ky. 80 marks a winding road leading through a scenic, almost encroaching wilderness to the park’s entranceway. At the very door is a General Store offering live bait and lures. Soon fishing licenses will be available, and for sale now are T-shirts, kites for kids and camping supplies, including firewood.

The General Store is in the renovated home of former park manager Vickie McQueary and her assistant and husband Mike. Kelley praised the McQuearys, both of whom now have jobs in county government.

“Vickie and Mike for 16 years held that park together with very little help from county government or anybody,” said Kelley.

Seven more RV sites with electricity and water are being added, for a total of 70 RV sites at the park, Kelley said. Primitive campsites are designated by lettered markers in various areas of the park.

In planning stages is a beach, thanks to money raised by the 2014 Class Lake Cumberland Leadership, a Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce group. Also, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved a courtesy dock for boat launching.

“A courtesy dock is a big thing for boaters,” said Kelley. “The dock has already been ordered and should be in place before the July 4 weekend.”

A new playground structure for kids and a 600-square-foot splash (water playgound) for toddlers will be operational by the end of the year. A miniature golf course is in the future.

Plans are to expand the current nine miles of hiking and biking trails to 30 miles, hopefully attracting national biking and hiking organizations to bring hundreds of visitors to the county and get national publicity, Kelley said. Several major events are scheduled at the park this summer, he noted.


Ronna and Lewis Alexander currently are seasonal managers of the park during camping season. They take reservations for campsites and recently constructed rental cabins and generally manage the camping areas, Kelley said.

The Alexanders live in their own camper and for the time being utilize sleeping quarters in a bedroom in the General Store structure. Kelley says a planned septic hookup eventually will allow the Alexanders’ residence to be permanently stationed beside the General Store.

Security at the park is under direction of Constable Mike Wallace who patrols the camping areas at night, Kelley revealed. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department assists if necessary, Kelley said.

“We’re getting rid of that element of locals who were drinking and causing commotion at the park,” the judge-executive promised.

Pulaski County Park, leased from the Corps, includes about 800 acres, of which only 50 to 60 acres are currently utilized. “Some of the most beautiful spots overlooking the lake are on these unused areas,” said Kelley, noting “ ... there is a lot of acreage there and places for more RV camping.” Kelley said 12 years remain on the county’s lease agreement with the Corps and “ ... we are currently negotiating to renew the lease.”

Pulaski Fiscal Court budgets $224,335 for operation of parks during the current fiscal year, some $45,000 of which is targeted for three other county parks. There is an additional $100,000 for parks from bonds issued during the administration of Barty Bullock.

Reservations for park facilities can be made online at pcparkky.com.

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It's in another post but the courtesy dock is for real.


...And so is the beach
http://www.somerset-kentucky.com/news/n ... 3168d.html

[Captain Bob]

Great overhead photo of the park area. Thanks for posting!