McDonald Farm to become newest state park

A historic farm near Chattanooga is going to become the newest Tennessee State Park. Gov. Bill Lee has proposed $45.3 million to transform 1,300 acres of the McDonald Farm’s total 2,100 acres in a new state park. At least 250 acres of the remaining 800 acres of land will still be owned by Hamilton County, including the fairgrounds area. Approximately 800 acres of the new state park will be located in Hamilton County and 500 acres in Rhea County. The new state park is expected to generate $11 million in annual economic output and create 77 new jobs. Plans for the park include camping and recreational amenities and a visitor’s center. The site already features active agriculture, open air barns, a 4,000-square-foot harvest barn used for events, and an agricultural-themed play area.