State Parks Offer Programs Despite Budget Cuts

It's a win, win situation when you visit Georgia’s State Parks this year.
Not only is it inexpensive and educational but without your support some of them may vanish.
News Three’s Alice Massimi spent the day at one of the area's state parks and shows you why they're an invaluable asset to any community.

It's a step back in time.
Civil War Soldiers wielding period guns... even loading and firing them.
All part of Fort McAllister’s Fourth of July reenactment. An event that attracts people of all ages including almost nine year old Emily Perry.
“Well I think it’s really fun just to see the historic part and go over the hills and see where they used to be fighting,” explains Perry.
Perry says she loves the park, especially because she's learned so much.
“I’ve learned a lot about the animals and the things they used back then and I've gone on some of the trails and seen a lot of the old trees and I've gone over the hills back there and seen the nurses station,” points out Perry.
Emily is not alone, her younger sister and mom and dad all love Fort McAllister.
“They are nice wide open spaces fun for the families and lots of learning activities,” says Douglas Perry, Emily’s Dad.
But some of the activities may disappear.
State parks throughout Georgia are having to slash programs, employees and in some cases shut their doors.
“Due to a shortfall in tax collection all the state agencies have been asked or instructed to reduce their spending and we’ve seen a 10 percent cut over the past year or so there may be as much as a 39 percent cut later on statewide,” says Daniel Brown the park manager.
Brown points out if we lose state parks we lose part, of who we are, our history.
“Its important as this is our heritage, our recreation. Its something that Georgians should be proud of. It’s an inexpensive way to take the kids out and go camping, fishing and come to a historic site like this one.”
Something that is not lost on Emily Perry and her family...they just hope you realize it before its too late.