CORBIN, Ky. – Cumberland Falls State Resort Park will unveil a new program on Nov. 8 geared towards students of all ages interested in the stars.
Called the Moonbow Astronomy Center-River of Stars, the new program will allow park guests and visitors to view the planets and stars through telescopes from the park near Corbin.
A kickoff event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at the park. The park will also be announcing events for 2009, including dates for viewing the “moonbow” at Cumberland Falls, special hikes and programming.
Known as the "Niagara of the South," the 125-foot wide curtain of water is dramatic day or night. But it's only at night during a full moon that you can see the moonbow, a phenomenon not found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere
“It is our continuing goal to provide quality programming while enhancing learning opportunities for youth and adults,” said Park Manager Lisa Davis. “We hope to supplement the state curriculum requirements with this astronomy program. While being educational, this program is also fun and unique.”
The equipment for the program was funded through a $5,000 grant from Tour Southern and Eastern Kentucky, an organization that promotes tourism in the region. The Louisville Astronomical Society is also assisting with expert volunteers.
The park will be hosting “Star Parties” where the public will be invited to view different aspects of the night sky and solar objects. Star packages including lodging will be available and “Star” birthday parties will be offered based upon availability.
“It would be a great family outing to be in our nature setting viewing stars and planets together,” Davis said.
The park is forming the Moonbow Astronomy Club. For more information regarding programming or joining interested persons should contact Steve Gilbert at 606-528-4125 x 414 or Steve.Gilbert@ky.gov. Youths/Students are encouraged to join. For more information about scheduling “Star Birthdays” contact group coordinator, Amanda Grubb at 606-528-4125 x 402 or Amanda.Grubb@ky.gov. Lisa Davis may be contacted at: 606-528-4125 x 401 or Lisac.Davis@ky.gov.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offers lodge and cottage accommodations as well as a campground. The park also has a restaurant located in DuPont Lodge. Situated on the Cumberland River near Cumberland Falls, the resort park boasts a three-diamond rating from AAA. The park, which offers 17 miles of hiking trails that wind through wooded hills to scenic areas, is located on Highway 90 south of Corbin. Please call 800-325-0063 for more information.
The Kentucky State Parks continue to offer lodge rooms at $50 a night Sundays through Thursdays through Dec. 30. Visit www.parks.ky.gov for details.
--30--
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov