By Tabitha Evans Moore, EDITOR & PUBLISHER
LYNCHBURG — It’s the site of the Lynchburg Farmers Market, the Oak Barrel Half Marathon packet pick up, the Frontier Days Steak Cookoff, as well as multiple events during the annual Jack Daniel World Invitational Barbecue. And this week state tourism, Metro officials, and a team from The Jack Daniel’s Distillery kicked off a project to renovate Moorehead Pavilion in Wiseman Park.
Built in 1985, the pavilion is named for former UT Extension County Director Larry Moorehead, who stepped down after 46 years last July.
Officials announced the project last November. The $100,000 project will be completed with zero public tax dollars thanks to 50/50 matching dollars from a Tennessee Department of Tourism grant and a donation from Jack Daniel’s.
The South Central Tennessee Tourism Association (SCTTA) office will administer the grant and the project will be spearheaded by a team of JD engineers including Kaleigh Hatfield, Donna Willis, and Cortney Hill.
Work to be complete this summer
The scope of work will include removing and replacing the metal roof, remodeling the restrooms, septic repair, new electrical, additional exterior lighting, ice machine room remodel, storage area removal, new ceiling fans, pressure washing existing concrete, gravel lot improvements, concrete repair, and new trash cans.
Work began last week and will continue through the summer. The crew will take breaks during Frontier Days and plans to have the renovation complete by the weekend of the Jack Daniel’s Barbecue.
“By bolstering the infrastructure of Moorehead Pavilion, we are setting the stage for greater tourist attractions, economic stimulation, and continued traditions,” said Jack Daniel’s Marsha Manley Hale, who also serves as the Lynchburg Chamber President. “Together, we can ensure that this venue stands not just as a space for gatherings, but as a beacon of our region’s prosperity.”
Hale worked with SCTTA’s Ryan French – a native and MCHS graduate – and Director of Strategic Partnerships Dominic Gialdini to obtain the funding. SCTTA will administer the grant.
“Moorehead Pavilion in Lynchburg stands out as a landmark,” said Gialdini. “It represents more than just a gathering place, it’s a symbol of community and tradition, holding a unique place in the heart of our region.”
Moore County was one of 29 communities to receive their share of over $2.22 million in Tourism Enhancement Grants. Other southern, middle Tennessee communities receiving grants included the town of Tracy City, and the City of Columbia.
Tennessee’s Tourism Enhancement Grants support cities and counties seeking to invest in their local tourism assets, lift visitation and increase economic impact. Eligible projects included stages, signage, historic preservation, ADA compliance and other improvements to local attractions and venues.
For more information about the specifics of the grants, reach out to the SCTTA via their website. •
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