Hall County's first state park on Lake Lanier bears the Gainesville area realtor's name because of his 30 year service on the Department of Natural Resources Board and as the Governor said, because of his vision. Carter said the park is a place for "blue collar workers" and their families to come and enjoy nature without spending all their money on a vacation.
"We're not going to have any golf courses or anything like that," Carter said. "It will be Mother Nature, fishing, sightseeing, things like that."
Amenities will include camping, cottages with lake views and a nearby boat dock.
Also included is sand swimming beach, boat ramps, hiking trails and picnic areas on the 1,000 acre site off North Browning Bridge Road. President of the Lake Lanier Convention and Visitors Bureau Stacy Dickson said she's hoping for big impact from Don Carter State Park when it is completed. Dickson said the park should be a major draw near the Olympic Venue at Clarks Bridge Park.
Past and present D.N.R. board members were in the audience, along with Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and DNR Commissioner Chris Clark, who moderated the program, followed by the ground breaking. Hall County commissioners and Gainesville city council members also attended with Commission Chairman Tom Oliver and Mayor Ruth Bruner.
"This park is Don Carter's legacy as it should be," Governor Purdue said. "We have beautiful preservation efforts across the state and if we don't get it now, it will get away from us, this is something God's not making any more of."
Clark said construction could begin in early 2011, with bids announced in November; a $14-million bond package financed the park which was budgeted two years ago. Clark said the park should open to the public sometime in 2012. He added the facility will be the state's first hybrid park, offering day recreation and archery hunting opportunities.
Carter was first appointed to the Board of Natural Resources in 1974 and served until 2002; He is one of the longest-serving appointees on any board in Georgia history. For nearly three decades, he served as chairman of the DNR Board's Land Acquisition Committee and played an important role in helping the state acquire more than 290,000 acres for state parks, historic sites, wildlife management, natural areas and river corridors.
Carter was a strong proponent of expanding Georgia's state parks and historic sites and improving fish and wildlife management programs.
Hall County
Carter was a strong proponent of expanding Georgia
Governor Sonny Perdue Thursday joined in ground breaking for the Don Carter State Park
DNR Commissioner Chris Clark moderated the program
Park amenities will include camping, cottages with lake views and a nearby boat dock
http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/8/231581