Department of Parks
Cumberland Falls Work To Start Aug. 1

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Work to improve the entrance and the grounds surrounding Cumberland Falls, one of Kentucky’s best known natural wonders, is scheduled to begin Aug.1, 2006.

The work includes making parking and the entrance ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible, improving the grade and surface of some walking paths, new lighting and benches, landscaping and drainage work to control erosion. The work is in the area of the visitor center and gift shop and will take place starting Aug. 1 through the end of October. Some work will also be carried out during November.

The falls will remain open to the public during the work. However, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Manager Lisa Davis wants to alert people planning special events -- such as weddings and picture-taking because of the spectacular beauty of the falls area -- that they should plan ahead.

“There will be construction fencing, sandbags and earth-moving equipment in the area during the construction and we want people making plans for weddings and other events to know that in advance,” she said. “There are still some great views that won’t be affected by the work, but people should plan ahead.”

Davis said she appreciates visitors’ patience during the project.

The $660,000 project is being carried out by D.W. Wilburn Inc. of Lexington and James B. Evans & Associates, landscape architects based in Lexington. The work is being financed through a $35 million bond issue approved by the 2005 Kentucky General Assembly.

Founded in 1931, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is located 20 miles southwest of Corbin off KY 90.

Other work recently completed at Cumberland Falls includes remodeled lodge rooms, a new lodge entrance, improving the exterior of the lodge, and mechanical upgrades. Window awnings have been replaced.  All grills in the park have been replaced and an observation deck at the falls has been replaced and is now open.

DuPont Lodge’s 51 guest rooms now have new bedding, window treatments, light fixtures, trim and upgraded wiring to allow for modern electrical appliances. Coffeemakers, ironing boards and irons have been added to the rooms.  Additionally, the bathrooms feature new tiling, sinks, shower rods, and countertops.

Executive cottages received new carpeting, drapes, bedspreads, furniture, appliances, dining room and outdoor deck furniture.

Meeting rooms in the lodge were renovated with $21,000 in new audio-visual equipment, banquet chairs, tables and linens.

For more information about reserving accommodations or meeting rooms at Cumberland Falls, call 1-800-325-0063 or go to www.parks.ky.gov

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce 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