FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Parks has issued a request for proposal for a state park resort on Lake Herrington in Garrard County.

The proposal is seeking a private developer to build and operate a lodge, with a restaurant and conference center. The lodge would have at least 50 rooms and the resort would include a swimming pool and gift shop.

The proposed resort would be built on 210 acres which the Department of Parks has an option to purchase.

“The community is very excited about the opportunity for a state park lodge,” said state Rep. Lonnie Napier of Lancaster. “We’re very supportive of this plan.”

Garrard County Judge-Executive John Wilson said he is also supportive of the plan. “A state park here would be a big boost for us and allow us to attract more tourists to this part of the state,” Wilson said.

Earlier this year, the Department of Parks announced the purchase of property in Garrard County further from the lake adjacent to the Tom Dorman Nature Preserve. The department still has plans to develop that land into a park.

The deadline for submitting proposals is Nov. 15, 2007 at 4 p.m. More information about the proposal is available at https://eprocurement.ky.gov

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 53 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov