10 transformations at Lake Junaluska in 2018
In 2018, Lake Junaluska invested more than $5 million into transforming its facilities and grounds. These improvements will help thousands of Lake Junaluska visitors experience transformation and renewal.
Lambuth Inn Renovation
Lake Junaluska’s historic Lambuth Inn received a $3.2 million interior renovation in May 2018. The renovations included updates to more than 100 sleeping rooms, the dining room, the lobby and all meeting rooms. Lake Junaluska ensured the historic feel of the inn was preserved by taking inspiration from the 1920s architecture of the building. More than 5,000 guests have stayed at Lambuth Inn since it reopened in May.
Bridge Over the Dam
After a two-year closure due to structural issues, Lake Junaluska reopened the bridge over the dam in fall 2018. Renewal of the bridge maintains the full loop of the walking trail, makes it possible to drive all the way around the lake once again and preserves one of Lake Junaluska’s most historic landmarks. A combination of charitable giving and service charges from property owners at Lake Junaluska paid for the $850,000 project.
Revitalization of Youth and Young Adult Facilities
Lake Junaluska is investing more than $400,000 into the revitalization of youth ministries, thanks to charitable gifts. Part of the efforts include updates to the two lodging buildings most often used by youth— Mountainview and the Lake Junaluska Apartments. Initial improvements in 2018 included new beds, mattresses, bedding and lamps in the buildings, as well as painting. In 2018, 1,822 youth participated in programming at Lake Junaluska.
Meditation and Fishing Pier
Lake Junaluska constructed a new meditation and fishing pier that extends over 40 feet into the water. The pier, located along the Lake Junaluska Walking Trail on the south end of the Memorial Chapel parking lot, provides a place for meditation and reflection with incredible lake views. The pier was possible because of charitable gifts from Erle and Mary Peacock’s family, who wanted to commemorate the couple’s love for Lake Junaluska — and Erle’s passion for fishing.
Walking Trail
Lake Junaluska improved several sections of the Lake Junaluska Walking Trail in 2018. Work included fixing irregularities of the surface, adding mulch to help with erosion control, and removing small, invasive species of plants, trees and shrubbery. The crew also removed five dead and dying pine trees along the trail. All projects were fully funded through charitable giving, with the aim of beautifying and improving the 3.8-mile trail.
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Labyrinth
Recent renovations improved the appearance and functionality of the outdoor labyrinth, which was originally built in 2001. The original design of the labyrinth remains the same, now set with specially cut Tennessee Flagstone over a sturdy base of crushed stone and concrete. The path is level with the grass. The refurbishment was completely funded through the generous gifts of multiple donors to ensure that it will last for generations to come.
Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym
Lake Junaluska renovated the bathrooms of the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym in 2018. The renovation was made possible through charitable giving. Nanci Weldon was a beloved member of the Lake Junaluska community who passed away at the age of 24 in 1965. In honor of her memory, the community built an open-air gym to host events throughout the year, including movie nights and other community activities during the summers.
Pool
The Lake Junaluska pool underwent a renovation and replastering before the start of summer 2018. The renovations improved the recreation experience for the community members and guests who swim in it each summer. The pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day to all lodging guests. Day passes and season passes are also available.
Boat Pier
In the spring of 2018, renovations to the pier behind the Harrell Center began. Forty wooden planks taken from the bridge over the Lake Junaluska dam were used in the rebuild. The pier is the docking place for the Cherokee IV, Lake Junaluska’s pontoon boat. Historic tours take place on the boat every evening during the summer.
Golf Course
The golf course received several improvements in 2018, including an aeration of the greens and fairways, new sand, and pruning and trimming of vegetation. A large portion of the work was made possible because of charitable giving. The golf course is celebrating its centennial in 2019.
To find out how you can give back to Lake Junaluska, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/support.
