Author: Webmaster
Friends of Warriors’ Path State Park, a group of concerned citizens, decided to help the Park by establishing a non-profit organization to improve, protect, and preserve Warriors’ Path State Park through user ideas, funding, and volunteer labor. It is important to note that any money you give to Friends goes directly to benefit Warriors’ Path State Park.
Park facilities such as the golf course, campsites, and rentals do generate revenue; however this money goes into the state’s overall budget for all TN State Parks. Monies returned to the Warriors’ Path budget are not adequate to meet current or future needs for maintenance and improvements. And that is where Friends comes in – to provide to the Park for things beyond just the operating budget.
Duck Island Revival Volunteer Day!
Saturday, March 28, 2026 8 am – noon
Meet us at the Recreation Building on Duck Island to begin removing an obsolete tennis court, creating a vibrant pollinator garden, planting native trees, and revitalizing historic picnic areas. Bring gloves, eye protection and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Necessary tools will be provided.These improvements will help us uphold the high standard of care we strive for in Tennessee State Parks and ensure Duck Island remains a beautiful, sustainable space for generations to come. By joining us, you’ll be contributing to a project that truly makes a lasting difference for the park and the community. Register at this link.
Sponsored by Warriors’ Path State Park, Friends of Warriors’ Path, Tennessee Iris Fund, Lowe’s of Kingsport, and Ingles of Kingsport.
War Party 10K at Warriors’ Path
State of Franklin Track Club brought their War Party to Warriors’ Path on Saturday, February 21, for a great morning in the Park!
Friends 2025 State Conference
Friends of Warriors’ Path was honored to attend the 20th TN State Parks’ Friends Conference in November at Paris Landing State Park. Mary Steadman was one of the session presenters. This conference allows Friends Groups from across the state to gather and share ideas as well as hear from some of the State Park staff. Each Friends Group is allowed to set up a table to tell about their Park and Friends Group; we took up 2 tables with permission, of course!
Lions Narnia Braille Trail Improvements & New Wardrobes!
- On December 4, several community partners unveiled the culmination of a two-year restoration project that refurbished and protected key components of the Lions Narnia Braille Trail of Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground at Warriors’ Path State Park.
- In 2023 the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport awarded Friends of Warriors’ Path State Park a $10,000 grant to rebuild one of the wardrobes on the Lions Narnia™ Braille Trail. Over the last two years, more community partners stepped in to protect Darrell’s Dream by replacing the other wardrobe.
- Students from Kingsport’s Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) volunteered construction and hands-on labor for both of the Lions Narnia™ Trail’s Wardrobes. Thanks to TCAT and students for your partnership!
- Additional grants from the Kingsport Lions Club and Engage Kingsport enabled the group to restore several of the life-size interactive exhibits among the eight sensory stations, including Tumnus Cave, the Beaver House, and Mr. Tumnus. Tele-Optics and Lions Club Members also helped upgrade all the wiring and repeaters for each sign’s audio.
New Friends Shirts at Marina!
Check out the new long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts at the Park Marina; two colors in each style for you to choose from. If you are a Friend of Warriors’ Path (made a donation in the current year), you can receive a 15% discount off your purchase. Just ask at the register.
Friends Endorsed by TN State Park Conservancy!
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Friends of Warriors’ Path was promoted by Tennessee State Parks Conservancy in their Oct 2025 newsletter. Here is a direct link to the article https://tnstateparksconservancy.org/featuring-the-best-friends-of-warriors-path-state-park/. Thanks, TN State Park Conservancy!
Featured in TN Magazine!
Big news from our beloved Warriors’ Path State Park! We’re honored to be featured in The Tennessee Magazine’s recent article “Parks for Everyone” by Trish Milburn, spotlighting how our Park is expanding access — from ATV wheelchairs to accessible fishing piers and play areas.
Read the full story here 
https://www.tnmagazine.org/parks-for-everyone/. Our feature is toward the bottom.
Boundless Playground Receives Grant
On Saturday, November 8, Jennifer Salyer of Barge Design Solutions Inc. presented Friends of Warriors’ Path State Park a $10,000 grant check. This award from Barge Community Fund is to be used for Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground. Mary Steadman, Boundless Playground Chair, applied for a $5,000 grant with Barge, and Barge liked the project so much they decided to double the grant!
Friends of Warriors’ appreciates the great support from Barge Design Solutions, Inc., not only with this grant and working at the Fall Day of Caring but also for supporting our October 2025 annual golf tournament.
Fun fact – Jennifer was the design/landscape architect who originally worked on the Boundless Playground 2005-2007.
Pictured above: Representative John Crawford; Jennifer Salyer, Barge Design; Mary Steadman, Boundless Playground Chair; Reba Barber, Friends of Warriors’ Board Chair.