New park director focuses on positivity at Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Now living closer to Barren County, Carlet Hagan has embraced the opportunity to become part of the community surrounding her new park.
LUCAS, Ky. — The sounds of construction have replaced the sounds of overnight guests at Barren River Lake State Resort Park this summer.
A multi-million-dollar renovation is underway at the lodge, closing guest rooms during one of the busiest times of the year. But for new park director Carlet Hagan, the project has not meant putting the park on pause.
Instead, she has focused on finding new ways to bring people through the gates while reminding her staff that a positive attitude can shape the experience visitors have when they arrive.
Children can meet ducks and rabbits during various programs. A sustainability garden is taking shape. Patriotic displays have received more attention.
Around the park, Hagan is looking for ways to make visitors notice the details.
“It’s already pretty, but to just bring it to a wow factor,” Hagan said. “It’s that look good, feel good, you do good mentality.”
For Hagan, that philosophy applies not only to the visitors exploring the park but also to the employees who make those experiences possible.
She said maintaining morale among staff has been one of her priorities during a season of change. With portions of the park temporarily affected by renovations, Hagan wants employees to understand the importance of bringing positivity into their work each day.
“It’s seeing the positivity in everything. There’s enough negative to be negative about,” Hagan said. “I just think that’s the go-to to keep moving forward.”
The lodge renovation is expected to continue through the winter, temporarily changing how visitors experience the park. But Hagan said the project has also created opportunities to highlight other parts of the property.
“You talk about being down for renovations, but something that has come out of that is shelters have been utilized more than ever,” she said. “Even though we’re down in some areas, the park’s still alive.”
Hagan’s arrival at Barren River Lake State Resort Park earlier this year marked a new chapter, but not a complete departure from the one before it.
Brennan Crain
The Meade County native began her career with Kentucky State Parks in 2019 at Nolin Lake State Park, where she first oversaw the campground before eventually becoming director. She was hired to lead Barren River Lake in February while continuing to oversee Nolin Lake during the transition.
Now living closer to Barren County, Hagan has embraced the opportunity to become part of the community surrounding her new park.
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