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Kentucky State Parks Management

Commissioner

Russ Meyer 

 

Deputy Commissioner

Ron Vanover

Information Officer
Anita Hatchett 

Department Directors

Rob Richards

Director

Financial Operations

 

Mark Kellen

Director

Park Operations

 

Thomas Brown
Director
Food Services 


Shawn Estep 
Director
Human Resources


LaDonna Miller
Director
Marketing & Sales

 

 

Andy Kasitz

Regional Administrator

Western Region


Christy Combs
Regional Administrator
Central Region


Seth Wheat
Director
Interpretation & Engagement 

Mike Lynn 

Regional Administrator
Eastern Region
 

Colonel Christopher Crockett
Director
Rangers

 

Mike Swatzyna
Director
Facilities Management

 

 

 

 

Mailing Address

 

Kentucky Department of Parks

500 Mero Street-5th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601

 

Drone and Commercial Photography Forms

Below are permit applications for using a drone at a Kentucky State Park and for commercial photography. Completed forms should go to the park manager. (Please note: Some Kentucky State Parks are on property controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Drone applications must be accompanied by a copy of the user license. At this time, the corps also must approve drone use and that process is separate from the state park permit process. Please plan in advance.) 

Commercial Photography: 

CLICK HERE

 

Drone Application:

CLICK HERE

***Drone applications must be accompanied by a copy of the user license and proof of insurance.  Without these 2 documents the application cannot be processed.*** 

 

Open Records Requests


To receive records maintained by and in the custody of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet (TAHC), Department of Parks, please submit your request in writing, identifying the specific records sought. Please be sure to provide your name, address, and daytime telephone number in the event we need to contact you. All requests for records must be signed by the requestor.

 

Click here to download the Open Records Request form.
You may send your request by mail, fax or email to:


General Counsel
Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet
Office of Legal Affairs
500 Mero Street, Fifth Floor
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 
Phone: (502) 564-4270 
Fax: (502) 564-1079 
Email: tah.openrecordsrequest@ky.gov

 

TAHC has five (5) business days from the date of receipt to respond to an open records request. If the documents requested are not available for release within five (5) days, a response will be provided informing the requestor of the approximate date on which the requested documents will be available for inspection.

Latest News

The award recognizes travel professionals who have demonstrated exceptional frontline service
Visitors can experience a glimpse into the past at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Boone County
Showtimes are Thursday through Saturday, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Sunday at 7 p.m.
Four Kentucky State Parks were recognized as part of this year’s Kentucky Living 2023 Best in Kentucky
Carter Caves State Resort Park will host an Adventure Experience on Saturday, Sept. 23.
The Fraley Festival of Traditional Music is set to take place September 6-9 at Carter Caves State Resort Park
Food trucks, local arts and crafts vendors and talented Kentucky artists will return to the Waveland State Historic Site in Lexington
The Chickasaw Nation Dancers will present their traditional dances and songs at Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site
Carter Caves State Resort Park will host its annual Crawlathon event on Saturday, August 12.
Home Coming celebrates 100-year anniversary of the park
The event will explore the history, culture and ancient wisdom of the Indigenous people of the Cumberland Plateau
The event will take place 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Funding will repair properties, boost tourism industry and economy
Orienteering is a navigation sport where competitors use a map and compass to find checkpoints on a course.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park will host a special insect presentation and identification workshop, “The World Under Your Feet,” on March 7.
Certification will increase activity in the Casey County community
Rough River Dam State Resort Park will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its lodge during the weekend of November 4-6
Certification will encourage visitation to the Cumberland County community
Certification will encourage visitation to the Cumberland County community
The Salt Festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Kentucky Battlefield to Host 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Perryville with a National Civil War Reenactment
Kentucky State Parks Recognized as ‘Best in Kentucky’ by Kentucky Living Magazine
Now Open for Submissions through October 31, 2022
Beach access will be limited to registered campground and lodging guests on weekends and holidays effective May 28, 2022
Cherokee State Park served as only state park for African-Americans during Jim Crow Era
Kentucky State Parks Recognized as ‘Best in Kentucky’ by Kentucky Living Magazine
Big Twigs attraction expected to bring new guests to Muhlenberg County
Golf course renamed “The Cullan at Mineral Mound” to honor Brown’s legacy
New 16 court complex to bring guests and tourism dollars to Louisville
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Beach Access to be Limited Due to Ongoing Safety Concerns
Employees share their favorite spots for the perfect Kentucky safe-cation
Lincoln Homestead is one of 13 Kentucky State Park Golf Courses
All Kentucky State Parks Remain Open to the Public
Special Camping Deals Available During April
Bardstown native recently managed Taylorsville Lake State Park
4-Week Series Features Kentucky Historical Figures
Offered at Lake Barkley, Kenlake and Kentucky Dam Village state parks
Has authored books on Civil War, active in history organizations
Learn about frontier customs and traditions
Part of effort to make repairs and safety upgrades at parks
Plans call for wastewater treatment, roof and safety upgrades
16 Resort Parks Serving 10,000 Guests
37th Annual Event Scheduled for Oct. 18-20 in Boone County
Battle re-enactments, soldier camps, ghost walk and more planned
Learn about 18th century life at Fort Boonesborough
Arts, Music, Food, Kids Games and More
My Old Kentucky Home Awarded First Place for Historic Site
Musical instruments tell stories about traditions in Eastern Kentucky
Recommended for guides, outdoor groups, emergency medical personnel
Parks veteran Jack Winburn is new manager
Learn about life in late 18th and early 19th centuries
Chris Fugate, Chris Cary Named to Manager Positions
Kentucky State Parks Also Recognized for Preservation Support
Lodge pools, community pools and beaches available this summer
Races Also Planned at Yatesville Lake and Natural Bridge
First Weekend is May 18-19 at Barren River Lake
Up to 10 percent discounts available at 17 resort parks
Free demonstrations and activities planned
Vine Grove Native Has Pro Fishing Background
Available at Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley and Kenlake
Has worked at Pine Mountain State Resort Park Since 2001
Park to open Moonbow Café across from Gift Shop until Riverview Restaurant reopens in Spring 2019
4-Week Series Features Kentucky Historical Figures
Festival features live demonstrations of pioneer life and frontier skills.
Weekend includes battle re-enactments, museum tours, soldier camps
School of the Soldier featured this year
Folk, old-time, western, western swing, early country, and others are played
Pennyrile Forest, Mineral Mound Courses To Close
50 percent off Sunday-Thursday
Events at White Hall and Waveland historic sites
June 23 event offers information about ancestors
June 9 event held at state parks across the state
Arts and Crafts Festival Set For May 26-27
The New Kentucky State Parks Culinary Trail and nine regional signature meals
Corbin Native Wes Lanham Named