Nashville, Tenn. – Two Tennessee state parks, a state park friends group, and the chairman of the Commissioner’s Council on Greenways and Trails have all been honored with Four Star Awards by the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association (TRPA). The Four Star Awards are the highest awards the association gives.

“We’re proud that state parks, friends groups and key volunteers have been recognized for their contributions and achievements,” said Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke. “And we’re pleased that many local parks and recreation programs have achieved similar honors. Creating and maintaining places for Tennesseans to enjoy the state’s natural beauty and take part in outdoor activities increases our quality of life.”

Commissioner Fyke will present the TRPA Four Star Benefactor Award to the Friends of Warriors’ Path State Park in a ceremony at the park on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. EST. The Friends group received the award for its substantial contributions in the development of a universally accessible Boundless Playground at the park. To date, the Friends of Warriors’ Path State Park have raised more than $900,000 through donations from corporations, civic groups and individuals to support the development of the playground for children of all abilities. Groundbreaking for Phase I of the facility took place in Spring 2006, and when complete, the Boundless Playground will include an entry pavilion, picnic pavilion, site amenities, four play areas with interactive exhibits, an accessible tree house, Braille trail and more.

The Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association recently presented the other Four Star Awards at its annual conference at Paris Landing State Park. Those awards include:

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