A Trigg County native has been promoted within Lake Barkley State Resort Park and is looking to improve the park and expand the activities offered.
Ryan Russell, who has worked at the park since 2014, became the Parks Programs Services Supervisor. He previously served as a Naturalist, a position he will help to find a replacement for in the coming months.
The new position means he will help oversee the beach, fitness center, outdoor pool, trap range, hiking trails, all recreation activities, and some special events at the park.
Russell shared his upcoming goals during Tuesday’s Cadiz Rotary Club meeting, including the renovation of the downstairs area of the building that houses the Windows by the Water restaurant.
The cafe downstairs would better help the restaurant, which has a hard time keeping up with all the extra traffic during the summer months.
Other short-term goals include; replacing the outdoor pool pump, fixing the heating system in the fitness center, and getting the hot tub back up and running.
Russell would also like to implement a summertime intern program.
He also wants to create programs that encourage local residents to visit the park more often.
Long-term goals for Russell include replacing playground equipment at the park and making it ADA accessible and installing a ramp to allow everyone to access the walkway along the lake behind the lodge.
He would also like to see Lake Barkley Beach restored and the restoration of park wild lands back to their historical habitat.
Russell said the community is always invited to Lake Barkley State Resort Park events.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park is located at 3500 State Park Road in Cadiz. For additional information about the park, call (270) 924-1131.
