HAMILTON COUNTY — Tennessee State Parks officials are inviting public input on the development of a new state park at McDonald Farm in Hamilton County. An open house for the park's master plan is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on July 16, 2026, at the Harvest Barn at McDonald Farm, located at 16705 Coulterville Road in Sale Creek.

Approximately 1,300 acres in Hamilton and Rhea counties will be transferred to the State of Tennessee to create the park. With the addition of existing state-owned parcels, the future park will encompass approximately 2,500 acres. The new park is near Graysville and will be the 70th state park in Tennessee, and the 14th established under Governor Bill Lee.

The Tennessee General Assembly approved funding for the park's development in the state's fiscal year 2027 budget. The new park connects to the Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park, a linear park stretching over 300 miles along the Cumberland Plateau.

"It is important that this new state park reflects a connection to McDonald Farm while providing a gateway to the Cumberland Trail and other opportunities for outdoor recreation," said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Brian Clifford. "We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Hamilton County leaders on this project and for the investment made by Gov. Bill Lee and the General Assembly to help preserve this amazing natural resource for future generations."

The site will border more than 300 acres of McDonald Farm that will remain a Hamilton County park. Beyond the open house, an online survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/TSP70PublicLink to gather additional perspectives on the park's development. Registration is requested, but not required, for attendees of the open house.