Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brent Young said the build out of Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park will have a positive economic impact.
The park officially opened as the state’s 60th park last week. Young said he believes Scott’s Gulf will bring visitors from all over the country.
“I think it’s gonna involve a lot of business growth,” Young said. “It’s gonna impact our local businesses such as our restaurants, our accommodations, our shops. We will see increased revenue due to the influx of visitors that are coming to visit the park.”
The park protects some 9,500 acres of waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and acreage adjacent to the Caney Fork River. Young said he thinks the economic benefits from Scott’s Gulf to the county will be seen immediately.
“I see that being an immediate thing,” Young said. “I do see it being a direct thing just because it will become a destination for tourists and outdoor folks driving and increase foot traffic to our local businesses.”
Young said he has not heard how the state will market the park. Young said that since the chamber is housing some of the park’s staff for the time being, the chamber is making an effort to market the park.
“They are actually here in our office with us, so we are encouraging folks as soon as they come in the door to talk to the representative of the Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park,” Young said. “There are a lot of different things that they’ve got going on. A lot of different programs that they’ve got going on. I know that we here are extending our hours from traditionally 8am-4pm to 8am-5pm to mimic some of the hours that they have.”
Young said the opening of Scott’s Gulf is a reminder of the outdoor resources that White County has available regarding economic opportunity.
