Cherokee State Park was built between 1950 and 1953 by the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a resort park for Kentucky’s legally segregated black population who couldn’t utilize the majority of the state’s recreation and park facilities. The resort was advanced for its time having modern vacation cabins, a boat dock, dining room, and beach among other amenities. The park attracted African Americans from all across Kentucky and the United States. Despite its popularity, the park closed when segregation ended in America and for several decades Cherokee was forgotten. In 2007, the Commonwealth began the remodeling and restoration of its dining facilities. Simultaneously, the Friends of Cherokee Historic State Park was created by a group of concerned citizens. The group had a long-term mission for the park and now after more than a decade, the Friends group, Kentucky State Parks, has joined forces with Black Soil: Our Better Nature, The Explore Kentucky Initiative, and Russellville Urban Garden to revitalize Cherokee’s legacy with the Cherokee State Historic Park Outdoor Adventure Weekend 2020.
This is an inaugural fundraising event, geared towards groups and individuals who are outdoor enthusiasts who want to support the legacy of Cherokee. The weekend will include various outdoor recreation, art, music, and cultural activities, including canoeing, lectures, trail running, Driftwood art, hikes, African drumming, and more. A free to low-cost program will also be held for youth of all ages concurrently. Attendees will partake in scrumptious farm to table meals prepared by talented local farmers and chefs including the highlight of the weekend, the Cherokee Legacy Luncheon. Lastly, a portion of the fees for the event will fund signage for the park, a pollinator garden, and future programming.