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Subcommittee approves lease to elevate Cherokee Removal Memorial Park to state park
Summary
The executive subcommittee approved acquiring a TVA lease for Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Miggs County to elevate it to state park status, part of a push to reach 70 state parks by the end of 2026. Members pressed staff about the 30‑year lease term and extension rules.
The State Building Commission executive subcommittee voted to approve acquiring the lease from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for the property known as Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Miggs County, a step department officials said would allow the site to be elevated to state park status.
"We have before you today the acquisition of the lease from TVA for the property that is currently known as Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Miggs County," said Chris Padgett, Chief of Staff for the Bureau of Conservation and Tennessee State Parks. Padgett told the subcommittee the acquisition aligns with the department’s strategy to expand the state park system, saying staff are "working towards 70 state parks by the end of 2026." The subcommittee voted to approve the item.
A commissioner questioned the length of the lease, saying, "This is a 30 year lease? It seems like a short time for a park." Padgett responded that TVA has shifted to 30‑year leases in recent years and that the ability to extend is governed by TVA rather than being solely at the state's option. The exchange was recorded in the meeting record; no public comments were received during the item.
The approval authorizes the acquisition of the TVA lease and the department will proceed with the steps necessary to transition the site into the Tennessee State Parks system. The subcommittee did not record conditions or amendments to the lease approval during the meeting.
