Campers at Grayson Highlands State Park frequently comment on two things about the park – the fabulous views and the clean bathrooms. While we can’t take responsibility for the views, credit for the cleanliness of the bathrooms can be attributed to our senior housekeeper, Kay Henderson.  Kay is one of those people that brightens any room with her smile and infectious laughter.  But this story isn’t about Kay’s cleaning prowess...

One of the interesting things about working in state parks is that you never know what secret talent your co-workers may harbor.  I’ve worked with park staff who can play instruments and sing, authors and poets, chefs, reenactors, gunsmiths and woodworkers.  Kay is a very talented artist who has added her unique touch to the park.

Kay Henderson is our magnificent resident artist

When some rearranging in the visitor’s center freed up a new interpretive space with a large, blank wall, Chief Ranger Kevin Kelly approached Kay about painting two of the park’s most popular features, the “Magic Tree” on the Twin Pinnacles Trail and Cabin Creek Falls on the Cabin Creek Trail.  This new mural will provide the backdrop for the exhibits featuring native animals and an interactive table for indoor exploration.

Kay Henderson and one of her beautiful murals at Grayson Highlands State Park

The visitor’s center will open for the season on May 19, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Come up and visit, enjoy the views and the new exhibits!