By Terri Carter | Special to The Times
MOORE COUNTY — A new vision is starting to come to life at Tims Ford State Park as the landmark location continues work on and prepares for a series of improvements throughout the property. From cabin renovations to a new handicap-accessible playground, the upcoming improvements aim to enhance the parks appeal and provide something for everyone from visitors to locals.
The state park is currently preparing to start the bidding process on the cabin-renovation projects.
Scheduled to begin on Nov. 1, the project will encompass full-scale renovations of all 20 cabins on the property. Planned upgrades include new siding, redesigned roofing styles, enhanced insulation and refinished flooring. Each cabin will also receive remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, brand-new furnishings, and updated windows and doors, and to ensure long-term durability and comfort, the cabins will also be completely resealed.
While a handful of the 20 cabins, originally constructed in 1978, have received minor updates over the years such as new countertops and occasional bathroom remodels, it has been nearly 25 years since any substantial improvements were made. None of the cabins have undergone large-scale renovations since their initial construction, making the upcoming project a landmark moment in the park’s history.
{Editor’s Note: This article is brought to thanks to an editorial partnership between The Lynchburg Times and The Moore County News. To read more of their articles, click here.}
Project funded by the state
Funding for these improvements were approved by Gov. Bill Lee and the State Legislature from funds used for capital projects.
Tims Ford State Park Manager Shawn Settle stated that while the cabins already stay booked during peak seasons, the renovations are expected to increase business overall, particularly during what is normally the offseason.
“Through October and early November, we stay packed every weekend. All 20 cabins are booked,” Settle said. “But we’ve had to close cabins down occasionally due to mechanical issues. We close over half of them in the winter because they were built to be seasonal cabins. They were never meant to be open in the winter. With these renovations, they will be winter-proof.”
Settle also shared updates on several grants recently awarded to Tims Ford State Park which are helping to fund a variety of ongoing improvements across the park’s land and lake areas. These enhancements are part of a larger effort to preserve the park’s natural beauty while expanding accessibility and recreational opportunities for all visitors.
“We have been very fortunate to have won a few substantial grants,” Settle said. “One is a recycled-tires grant where they will be able to do paved trails for us.”
The recycled-tire grant has funded a trail that leads from the marina parking lot to the courtesy dock.
Settle added that one of the big projects happening throughout the state parks right now is the Access 20/30 Program, which funds accessibility initiatives for park visitors.
“If you’re in a wheelchair or blind or can’t hear well, we’re trying to do little things to make the park more accessible,” Settle said.
More projects on the way
Looking ahead, park officials are actively seeking additional funding to build an ADA-compliant dock and secure the necessary materials and supplies for its construction. These improvements would make it possible for individuals using wheelchairs to safely access boats and enjoy time on the water.
Taking its accessibility efforts even further, Tims Ford State Park introduced a free motorized wheelchair-rental program three years ago, offering visitors with mobility challenges a new way to explore the outdoors.
The park features eight miles of paved trails along with a specially designed dirt trail built specifically for use with the motorized chair. This initiative is part of a broader accessibility strategy that includes the repaving of two additional trails, one of which provides direct access to the beach at Fairview Campgrounds.
The park also received a grant worth approximately $800,000 to build a brand-new playground that will be located behind Spencer Hall.
“It’s called an inclusive playground but I’m calling it the playground for everybody,” Settle said. “There’s literally an aspect of this playground that’s built for everybody. Unlike a lot of times where we would have a swing that you could put a wheelchair in by themselves, this one is designed where the family or the friends are in the swing with the person with the wheelchair. You’re not segregated to a certain part of the playground. The whole playground is being built with the idea that they get to play with everybody.”
In addition to the new playground, a pavilion is set to be constructed nearby, providing a comfortable, shaded space for park visitors to relax, especially during the hot summer months.
This new feature will serve as a welcoming spot for families, picnickers, and community gatherings, enhancing the overall experience for those enjoying the upgraded recreational area.
Park staff and officials have expressed enthusiasm for the current and upcoming improvements, emphasizing their importance not only for infrastructure and community growth but also for preserving the park’s role as a peaceful escape from suburban life.
If you’d like to learn more about Tims Ford State Park including a schedule of upcoming public events, click here. •
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