By Betsy Finklea
The new cabin at Little Pee Dee State Park was unveiled at a gathering on Friday, July 20th.
Park Ranger James Revis said they were in the business of making memories, and the cabin was a wonderful addition to the park. He said getting the new cabin was a group effort by the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce, Dillon County Palmetto Leadership, Alumni Association and Rep. Jackie Hayes. He noted the dam at the park is also being repaired, and this is about a $700,000 project.
Rep. Jackie Hayes commended Earl Gleason of the Dillon County Palmetto Leadership Alumni Association, who he said brought this to him a couple of years ago. He said he was able to get an appropriation in the House budget for the cabin and Senators Greg Hembree and Kent Williams guided it through the Senate. Hayes recalled as a child enjoying activities at the park such as fishing, cookouts, and other activities.
Rodney Berry, the Economic Development Liaison for Congressman Tom Rice, said this was a special day and commended Hayes and the delegation for helping to get this to happen.
Dillon County Council Chairman Stevie Grice also shared memories of coming to the park and said he was glad to see the cabin.
Earl Gleason of the Dillon County Palmetto Leadership Alumni Association said his group which now numbers a couple of hundred wanted to do projects on a larger scale. He said the cabin was one of these projects that will be announced at a later date.
Beth Williamson of the Pee Dee Tourism said that she thinks the cabin is wonderful and said the park is a hidden gem.
Bridget Thorton, director of City of Dillon Downtown Development, said they support all positive projects in Dillon County.
Tom Norton, whose father was a former park ranger, recalled memories of the park. Cullen Bryant also shared thoughts.
The cabin has a double bed and two bunk beds as well as air conditioning on the inside and a porch on the outside. Outside these is a patio with Adirondack chairs, a picnic table, a hammock, a fire pit, and a grill. The cabin is available for rent, but fees vary depending on the season.
The Little Pee Dee State Park is located at 1298 State Park Road, Dillon.
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