Visitors to Radnor Lake State Park should brace for some upcoming changes as construction commences to repair Otter Creek Road within the premises. As per a statement from the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, preparatory work kicks off today, with the main thrust of the project slated to run from June through October 2025.
Park Manager Steve Ward welcomes the state-funded initiative, which intends to mend the road scars left by the 2010 floods and enhance accessibility. Still, starting today, having been commenced, visitors will notice crews restriping the west parking area and setting up for the incoming task. "We are excited about the repairs on the way because we want our visitors to have the best park experience possible, and this increases our ability to serve everyone," Ward told the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation.
During the construction, parking will be significantly impacted. As of June 2, the usual parking along Otter Creek will be closed off, reducing available spaces by about one-third. ADA parking on the dam is shutting down temporarily, but alternatives will be laid out in the west parking zone. For those reliant on mobility support, the park’s automated wheelchair program will continue operating, with reservations accessible from the visitor center.
Active park-goers will need to adapt as well, as activities such as jogging, dog walking, and bicycling will be restricted, starting June 2, to less than one-half mile from both the west and east parking areas, due to the closure of the inner Otter Creek Road segment beside the lake. Hikers will have the option to circumnavigate the lake via the South Lake Trail. In tune with the park's respect for wildlife, the start of the construction was pushed back to ensure no disruption to local nesting eagles, as confirmed by the park in consultation with multiple wildlife services.
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