Here are some more tidbits on Chimney Rock Park, which is up for sale for $55 million:
The Hendersonville newspaper’s Web site reports that the 1,000 acre park in the Hickory Nut Gorge in Rutherford County had 215,000 visitors last year. The park employs 32 full-time and seasonal workers, according to the Hendersonville Times-News.
The paper quotes Morse:
“Development is taking place around us, the state has begun acquiring land for a state park in Hickory Nut Gorge, and we have been examining how all of this will impact our long range business opportunities and challenges. As business owners and stewards of this property, we have been actively working to understand our business and property in light of the changes that are occurring locally, regionally and nationally so that we can make informed decisions about our future that are in the best interest of this company, the property, our associates, and our family.”
Last month when nobody was paying attention, the Asheville Citizen-Times reported that North Carolina was talking with the owners of Chimney Rock Park about the purchase of some land for the new Hickory Nut Gorge State Park, but that officials weren’t saying much about the ongoing negotiations.
Here’s more of what the newspaper reported at the time:
Hickory Nut Gorge extends about 10 miles, going through the Bat Cave and Chimney Rock areas. The area is home to rare plants and animals and is also known for its geological features including the famous cave.
Charlie Peek, spokesman for the state Division of Parks and Recreation, said the state is talking with the owners of Chimney Rock Park, but he would not elaborate on the discussions.
“The state has expressed interest in our property,” said Todd Morse, president and general manager of Chimney Rock Park. “But at this point, we’re still in the process of trying to understand and gather information and learn.”
Chimney Rock Park is a private attraction that draws more than 200,000 visitors a year.
“I think we’re just trying to understand our options at this point. No decision one way or another has been made,” Morse said. “I think our ultimate goal is we want to just do the right thing for the property, for the family, for the community.”
Morse said the state is also talking with other property owners in the area.
Last August, the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy spent $16 million for a 1,500-acre tract in the area known as World’s Edge. The state has since bought part of the land and plans to purchase the remaining property.