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Arch Scenic Area reopened to public |
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Written by Andrew Powell
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Friday, 21 August 2009 |
The Natural Arch Scenic Area has been reopened to the public following $700,000 in upgrades and renovations. The facility, which boasts a 225-seat amphitheater, was dedicated during a ceremony last Wednesday that featured Congressman Hal Rogers and Daniel Boone National Forest Supervisor Frank Beum.
The Natural Arch Scenic Area has been reopened to the public following $700,000 in upgrades and renovations. The facility, which boasts a 225-seat amphitheater, was dedicated during a ceremony last Wednesday that featured Congressman Hal Rogers and Daniel Boone National Forest Supervisor Frank Beum.
Congressman Hal Rogers said the renovated scenic area today is a much different place then the one he visited “while courting in high school.”
Rogers was instrumental in securing funding for the multi-phase project. In 2006, $335,000 was allocated to the project to upgrade the parking area, install RV host sites, construct a picnic shelter and upgrade trails. The area was closed this summer for phase II of the project which utilized $345,000 to install a concrete trail system, improve picnic and overlook areas, add electricity, grills and a playground to a large picnic shelter and complete the covered, outdoor amphitheater, the only one of its kind in this part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Congressman Rogers said the renovations make a beautiful area even more beautiful and emphasized the nature McCreary County has to offer for everyone.
“The Natural Arch is a unique and obvious attraction spot for tourists,” said Congressman Rogers. “It’s our job to keep it updated, clean, accessible and safe for travelers and local families alike. Our local and regional economies benefit from organized tourist sites and they provide additional entertainment options for our public and private events. We are not only providing a place for tourists to pass through, it’s a place to raise our kids and get interested in the great outdoors.”
Forest Supervisor Frank Beum said while he is familiar with Kentucky and its natural beauty the finality of this project comes to him only eight days into his new job.
“I am still amazed at the beauty of this area and the friendliness of the people and am pleased we are able to reopen facilities that now can begin to match the beauty of the area,” Beum said.
Fred Noack, Stearns District Ranger for the Daniel Boone National Forest, said it was with much pride that he stood among the renovated facility and all the recreational amenities it now has to offer. Noack said the area, emphasizing the amphitheater, can be used by multitudes of people gathering for music, performing arts, family reunions, weddings and more. Noack thanked the many people instrumental in aiding completion of the project, including contractors, Job Corps tradespeople and retired District Ranger Jerry Stephens, who initiated the project.
Jeff Crowe, Director of TOUR SEKY; an organization that works to promote tourism across southern and eastern Kentucky, called the renovated scenic area “a jewel in the crown of our region” with unmatched beauty.
McCreary County Judge-Executive Blaine Phillips said the area was “one we could all be proud of.”
The Natural Arch Scenic Area is located 10 miles north of Whitley City on KY 927 (Day Ridge Road) and is open to the public year round. Visitors to the site are required to purchase a day use pass from area stores or at Forest Service offices.
For more information on the site, user guidelines and reservations please call (606) 376-5323 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone.
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