More than $1 million in improvements will be made at Pine Mountain State Resort Park's lodging facilities, golf course and museum, State Rep. Rick Nelson announced this week.

The improvements at Pine Mountain are part of the Department of the Park's overhaul of the state's resort parks. Improvements have already been made in the park's guest rooms and are now underway in lodge dining rooms.

Funding came from a pool set up by the General Assembly for use only at state parks.

State Rep. Rick Nelson, D-Middlesboro, said completed renovations will draw more visitors to the park, which is now famed for its 18-hole championship golf course, Wasioto Winds.

"The impeccable reputation of Wasioto Winds and the natural beauty of our region draws visitors from all over the country to Pine Mountain," Nelson said. "These latest improvements will make our park even more attractive to visitors, encouraging them to come back again."

The money used for the improvements could only be used at state parks.

"We wanted to make sure that Bell County's state park got its fair share," said Nelson.

He added that he has asked the Department for Parks to consider giving local residents a discount to play golf at Wasioto Winds.

"The green fees, I believe, are way too high and should be lowered for local residents who helped foot the bill," he said.