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7. Gatlinburg's Heritage and Evolution, with Randy Watson
Manage episode 454750847 series 3615007
Treść dostarczona przez Jordan Watts and Tom Goodwin. Cała zawartość podcastów, w tym odcinki, grafika i opisy podcastów, jest przesyłana i udostępniana bezpośrednio przez Jordan Watts and Tom Goodwin lub jego partnera na platformie podcastów. Jeśli uważasz, że ktoś wykorzystuje Twoje dzieło chronione prawem autorskim bez Twojej zgody, możesz postępować zgodnie z procedurą opisaną tutaj https://pl.player.fm/legal.
Randy Watson, the General Manager of Gatlinburg SkyPark, was born and raised in the area. Watson's family has deep roots in the region, with his grandparents having worked for the Little River Lumber Company before the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Watson discusses beginning his career at the Gatlinburg Skylift at age 14 and eventually following in his father's footsteps to become the general manager. Throughout the conversation, he recounts witnessing the evolution of SkyPark from a single-chairlift attraction to a major tourist destination featuring the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.
Watson also addresses the impact of the 2016 wildfires on SkyPark and the subsequent rebuilding efforts, which led to significant improvements and expansions. The fire devastated the top of the mountain where SkyPark is located, destroying the original SkyLift infrastructure. However, the rebuilding process transformed SkyPark into a reborn attraction with improved facilities.
His stories highlight the resilience of the Gatlinburg community, the importance of family in local businesses, and the ongoing commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains while enhancing visitor experiences. Watson emphasizes the focus on stewardship and creating lasting memories for visitors, all while maintaining the integrity of the environment.
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