Many different elements go into making a park run and stay up to par. Countless employees who work during every season, numerous visitors giving feedback, and folks from the community who volunteer their time. Here at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, our Friends group is filled with volunteers who have a love for our park and want to make sure that it stays a place where memories are made and cherished. 

Jim Gerhart has worked effortlessly for many years alongside other members to bring new ideas and innovations to the park. Jim has been a long-standing member of our Friends group and involved in many worthwhile projects. When we say, "Think outside the box" we could use Jim as an example of what that means. He has helped the park with many projects.

One, in particular, was the purchase of the tour boat donated to the park after the Friends solicited donations totaling more than $65,000. This tour boat was important to many visitors who did not have the means to rent or operate a boat. Friends members along with a park interpreter are able to take guests out on the water and give a more in-depth look at the history and environment of Smith Mountain Lake to our guests. 

Friends members like Jim are dedicated to making our park the best that it can be. Park Manager Heft said, "Jim is not easily defeated by some of the processes we must follow and usually digs in and finds another way to make the project happen.

He is now trying to find a way to pay for the relocation or reconstruction of a tobacco barn at the Discovery Center area of the park." Remnants of different tobacco barns can be found throughout the park. These barns help highlight the importance of tobacco in the early years of farming. The tobacco barn has an amazing story to be told and Jim wants to make that possible. 

"We are truly blessed to have Friends members like Jim Gerhart," Heft said. We are very grateful for all the hard work that is put in by our Friends groups and members of the community that helps make our park great. The people are truly what makes Smith Mountain Lake State Park the great place that it is. Without the hard work and dedication of our Friends groups, many things that we have to offer here would not be possible.

So, if you're ever in the park and see one of the Friends members, be sure to say "Hello!" and see how you can help make a difference while you're here.