Official dedication of Hatchie River Park and Nature Center Oct. 17

The official dedication of the Hatchie River Park and Nature Center will take place noon Oct. 17.
 The event will kick off with a morning canoe float trip at 9 a.m. Along the river. Outdoor exhibits will be open to the public at 10 a.m. It will also serve as the public announcement of the “Just Say Hatchie” campaign to promote awareness and support for the entire project. To rent a canoe or kayak, contact Ghost River Outfitters at 901-485-1220.
 “Our vision is to create a system of blue ways and greenways, camping facilities, hiking and biking,” said Steve Hornsby, CEO of Bolivar’s Downtown Development Corporation.
Eco-based tourism activities are to be developed along with environmental and educational tourism along the Hatchie River. The hope is for other counties along the Hatchie River will cultivate similar programs in the following years.
“The concept is incredible,” said Kevin Triplett, Comissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “The reason [the Hatchie River] is so popular is because it hasn’t been channeled and it’s in its natural state – and the plan is to promote that while still maintaining the natural state.”
 
Upcoming projects include an easy loop for canoers, building a bridge from the center to an island, and purchase river right of ways from private landowners to serve as campsites.