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Tennessee State Parks will offer volunteer work events at 38 parks across the state this month for Tennessee Promise scholars to fulfill their community service hours. Of those 38 parks, 37 will hold their activities on Saturday, June 24. Radnor Lake State Park will have two separate events on Friday, June 23.
The Tennessee Promise event at Sycamore Shoals State Park will be held June 24 from 9 to 11 a.m. Participants will collect litter throughout the park, along the walking trail, and in the amphitheater area. Participants may also collect downed tree branches along the trail and in the picnic areas. They are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Those participating are asked to gather in the picnic area beside the park Visitor’s Center at 9 a.m.
“Tennessee State Parks are happy once again to be involved in the Tennessee Promise program,” said David Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). “The program has a community service element that helps students get their financial assistance, so this works out well both for our parks and the students.”
Activities for the workday at various parks include cleanup, removing invasive plants, gardening, and park beautification projects. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing for the work and bring items such as water, snacks, and sunscreen.
Tennessee Promise provides students the chance to attend tuition-free any of the state’s community colleges, colleges of applied technology, or other eligible institutions offering an associate degree program. One of the requirements to maintain eligibility is to complete eight hours of community service. The parks also accept help from any other volunteers who wish to participate.