Tennessee, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Tennessee State Parks is expanding its initiative to provide colorblind viewfinders at twelve parks, enhancing accessibility for individuals with red-green colorblindness. This launch coincides with International Colorblindness Awareness Month. Parks such as T.O. Fuller State Park and Roan Mountain State Park will benefit from these viewfinders, allowing visitors to experience vibrant colors in nature. The initiative highlights Tennessee’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility within its parks.
Nashville, Tennessee – Tennessee State Parks is expanding its initiative to install colorblind viewfinders, with plans to add these specially designed devices to twelve parks across the state. This announcement aligns with the commencement of International Colorblindness Awareness Month, aimed at raising awareness about color vision deficiencies.
The new viewfinders will be placed at T.O. Fuller State Park in Memphis and Roan Mountain State Park in Roan Mountain. Additionally, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park will also be equipped with a colorblind viewfinder on September 25, 2025, as part of First Lady Maria Lee’s Tennessee Serves program. These viewfinders are specifically designed to assist individuals with red-green colorblindness by utilizing advanced lenses that enhance their ability to perceive a broader spectrum of colors.
The colorblind viewfinder at T.O. Fuller State Park will enable visitors to appreciate the area’s native grasslands and floodplains in vibrant colors, while the installation at Roan Mountain State Park will help users enjoy the picturesque views of the rugged ridges and vast lands of the region.
Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for Conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, highlighted the importance of ensuring equal experiences for all visitors wishing to enjoy the natural beauty of Tennessee’s parks. This initiative is part of a wider goal to enhance accessibility within Tennessee State Parks, catering to visitors of all abilities.
The viewfinder at T.O. Fuller State Park was funded by the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, while Roan Mountain State Park financed its own installation. Alongside these viewfinders, T.O. Fuller State Park offers various accessible features, such as:
- All-terrain wheelchairs
- An adult-sized changing table
- An accessible half-mile trail
- Wheelchair-friendly campsites with an accessible bathhouse
Visitors will find parking for the colorblind viewfinder at T.O. Fuller State Park located at the Shelby Bluff Center. In contrast, Roan Mountain State Park has made provisions for accessibility with features including:
- Wheelchair-friendly parking
- Wheelchair-friendly picnicking areas
- Some ADA-accessible cabins and campsites
The Chestnut Ridge Overlook at Roan Mountain State Park serves as the ideal location for the colorblind viewfinder, providing optimal conditions for users to enjoy breathtaking views of the area.
This initiative to install colorblind viewfinders is indicative of a broader movement within Tennessee State Parks to enhance access and inclusion for all visitors, reflecting a growing awareness of the diverse needs of the park-going community.
FAQ
What are colorblind viewfinders?
Colorblind viewfinders are specially designed devices that help individuals with red-green colorblindness see a wider range of clear, vibrant colors.
Which parks will receive the new colorblind viewfinders?
The new additions include T.O. Fuller State Park, Roan Mountain State Park, and a viewfinder will also be installed at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park by September 25, 2025.
What features does T.O. Fuller State Park offer for accessibility?
T.O. Fuller State Park provides all-terrain wheelchairs, an adult-sized changing table, an accessible half-mile trail, and wheelchair-friendly campsites with an accessible bathhouse.
Where is the parking for the viewfinder at T.O. Fuller State Park?
Visitors can find parking for the viewfinder at the Shelby Bluff Center.
What accessibility features are available at Roan Mountain State Park?
Roan Mountain State Park offers wheelchair-friendly parking, picnicking areas, and some ADA-accessible cabins and campsites.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Clarksville Online: Tennessee State Parks Expands Colorblind Viewfinders
- Wikipedia: Tennessee State Parks
- Tennessee State Parks Blog: Radnor Lake State Park Ready for Road Repair
- Google Search: Tennessee State Parks
- NewsChannel 5: Landmark Tennessee Court Ruling on Guns in State Parks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee
- Axios: Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on New State Parks
- Google News: Tennessee State Parks Updates
- StyleBlueprint: New Tennessee State Parks
- WKRN: Gov. Bill Lee on Preserving Land and Creating New State Parks
Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
