LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For 100 years Kentuckians have enjoyed the nature and experiences state parks provide.

Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., state park representatives and other government officials visited three state parks to celebrate the centennial anniversary.

Swing after swing, Luke Nall is practicing for the upcoming slow-pitch softball season. 

He says he comes out to E.P. Tom Sawyer Park almost every week to spend time outside and to connect with his family. 

“My grandfather used to play, actually my grandfather and my great-uncle and my dad,” Nall said.

Millions of people visit Kentucky’s 44 state parks every year for activities like baseball, pickleball, swimming, hiking and boating. 

Gov. Beshear says state parks wouldn’t be possible without government funding and investments. 

“These types of investments ensure that we generate even more tourism revenue, and it helps us to celebrate 100 years in the right way.”

The governor’s “Forward Together” budget proposal allocates $255.2 million dollars to improve state parks. 

Gov. Beshear said parks are vital to Kentucky tourism, which brought in $12.9 billion in 2022.

He said last year’s budget didn’t invest in state parks, which made it harder for people to enjoy the parks. 

“This causes a lot of strain on our families who had to drive even further to access a pool, and it meant staying or camping in. At least two of our parks did not have access to this much sought after amenity. We also have a few marinas that are closed and not fully operational when boating is one of the biggest attractions to Kentucky,”said Beshear.

For Kentuckians like Nall, the parks are a place to pursue hobbies and connect with others. 

“Our parks are a source of family entertainment, a place to make special memories, places we teach our kids how to fish, how to ride a bike, or how to fly a kite,” Beshear added. 

After his stop at E.P. Tom Sawyer Park, Beshear visited Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg