Specific Judging Considerations

To recognize public sector parks for achievements in implementing best management practices and creating innovative solutions to today’s recreational issues

Extent to which project addresses issues of recreational trends and environmental balance

2009 Winner of Parks and Recreation

Winner – Bear Trace at Harrison Bay Golf Course (Hamilton County)

The Bear Trace Golf Course at Harrison Bay State Park has made many improvements in water conservation, water quality management, wildlife and habitat management, chemical use reduction and safety and outreach and education. They have installed 45 nesting houses, created a large plant bed comprised of 218 plants native to Tennessee, and renovated the golf course’s chemical storage facility. With all of these improvements in practice, Bear Trace at Harrison Bay ranks one out of 765 golf courses certified by Audubon International and one of only ten in the state of Tennessee. In addition, 40 acres of the course have been naturalized to minimize maintenance and Champion and the turf grass has been changed from “bent grass” to Champion Ultradwarf Bermuda grass – reducing their chemical use and budget from $39,000 annually to $8,000 annually.