A new covered fishing pier and four new yurts officially opened Friday at Chester Frost Park in Hamilton County, expanding the offerings for campers and anglers.
The new pier, made of high-strength aluminum, was dedicated as the George Franklin Wright Fishing Pier in honor of a longtime supporter of the park. Wright died on February 25.
The county park at Chickamauga Lake has slowly but surely taken on its current form, said Weston Wamp, mayor of Hamilton County, adding that it may be the most beautiful park in the county.
“One of the things we focus on in county government is leaning on our strengths and focusing not only on new things, but on assets like Chester Frost Park that have stood the test of time and have served generations of our community,” Wamp said at a dedication ceremony Friday. “It’s fitting that George Wright’s name will remain forever on a place that is something of a second home to him.”
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Wright had a deep affection for Chester Frost Park and often cast his fishing line from the former wooden fishing pier, camped with family and friends or went water skiing, park officials said.
Hamilton County Commissioners Ken Smith (R-Hixson) and Gene-o Shipley (R-Soddy-Daisy) praised Wright’s contributions to the development of the county park and his commitment to making it a facility for every member of the community.
Staff photo by Ben Benton / Hamilton County leaders dedicated the George Franklin Wright Memorial Fishing Pier at Chester Frost Park on Friday. From left, County Commissioner Ken Smith and County Mayor Weston Wamp listen as Commissioner Gene-o Shipley helps Wright’s wife, Patty, who tearfully speaks about the importance of memorializing her husband’s lifelong love of the park.Smith called Chester Frost a treasure of the county and said Wright’s deep love for the park and the people of the community led to its preservation for future generations.
“It’s a hidden gem,” Smith said. “Those who know about it will love it. Those who don’t know about it will be surprised it’s even here.”
Shipley said he had known Wright since fourth grade.
Shipley said Wright was an integral part of the Soddy Daisy community and, although he had no children of his own, worked on projects to benefit the community’s youth.
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“He was very generous,” Shipley said. “He would never turn down money for children.”
Wright’s wife Patricia was grateful for the recognition of her late husband.
“I just want to thank everyone,” she said through tears. “It’s an honor to come here and see what there is for everyone because he loved his park.”
The second part of Friday’s events was the official opening of four new waterfront yurts. Two of the yurts are located near the campground entrance and two more are at the other end of the campground, said park manager Kelly Howington.
Staff photo by Ben Benton / Four yurts were opened Friday at Hamilton County’s Chester Frost Park. Seen here as park superintendent Kelly Howington talks about the amenities. Along with the yurts, county officials also cut the ribbon and officially opened the George Franklin Wright Memorial Fishing Pier.(SUBSCRIBE: Get breaking Chattanooga area news, sports and entertainment delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletters at timesfreepress.com/newsletters.)
A yurt is a portable, round dwelling made from a grid of flexible poles and covered with felt or other fabric, according to NationalGeographic.org. It is a sturdy, reliable type of tent. Yurts have been the predominant form of housing in Central Asia, especially Mongolia, for thousands of years.
Wamp said the yurts make a weekend camping possible for families who don’t have camping equipment.
The yurts at Chester Frost are air-conditioned and feature patios on the land and sea sides of each building, as well as charcoal grills with covers. Howington said the covers allow campers to smoke food and retain more heat for cooking.
Rental rates are $75 per night with a maximum stay of seven days, park officials said.
Contact Ben Benton at [email protected] or 423-757-6569.
