This week, I had an opportunity to interview Jim Rogers, Roaring River State Park concessionaire, about the new store that will be constructed in the park over the next six or seven months.

Jim told me that the main reason he felt a new store was needed at Roaring River was because of the lack of parking near the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Lodge that was built in the park around 70 years ago. The current park store is housed in the upper level of the lodge.

I wouldn't classify myself as an expert trout fisherwoman but my husband and I visit Roaring River many times each year and I usually go home with my daily fish limit.

We have found that many other anglers share our schedule of fishing in the early mornings and late evening, which means that we often visit the CCC Lodge to purchase our tags when the store is most busy.

There have been several occasions when we have drove up the steep driveway to the top of the hill near the lodge only to find that there are no available parking places. We have also experienced close calls when other drivers rush blindly up or down the one-way drive near the CCC Lodge.

In talking with Jim about the proposed park store, which will be located at the junction of Highways 112 and F, I learned that the new facility will offer a significantly larger parking lot and more than double the store's space, which means more bait and tackle will be available for Roaring River anglers.

Although I am very excited about more parking and increased merchandise, I think the proposed store will benefit park goers in other ways also.

For instance, the new store will be much closer to campgrounds #2 and #3. Campers and anglers who prefer fishing in zone #2 will be able to walk to the store to purchase their daily tags, bait and camping necessities.

For these reasons and others, I would like to use this blog to thank Jim and his wife, Karmen, for proposing and promoting the new park store idea. I think the new building will add a great deal to the local park that I grow to love more and more each year.

Please leave your comments on the proposed park store below.