News
Update 7/6/2026
FREEDOM PIER
Freedom Pier has finished! Thanks to Tommy Ferrell and Ferrell Construction for staying within our budget as well as donating some extra materials and labor to ensure the walkway is safe, aesthetic, and accessible.
Big Thank You to Kyle Modisette and Modisette Welding & Supply who came through with a whopping donation to be our Freedom Pier Sponsor. Kyle's donation is meant to recognize all who have served. He and his company will be recognized on a plaque on the pier.
An overwhelming thank you to those of you who quickly responded to our request for donations for the pier. We are humbled that we have such great support from our Lake community.
We have enough money to pay for the pier, however, we will be eating into our general fund which is used for ceremonies, activities, Park upkeep, and flag maintenance. We will humbly accept additional donations so that we can maintain a solid balance in our checking account for day-to-day activities. Go to our website if you'd like to donate a few bucks.
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OTHER NEWS
Flag Day / Unserviceable Flag Disposal Ceremony
The ceremony (6/14) was cancelled due to weather. Continue to drop off your unserviceable flags with John Morgan (NH-10) and Ken Pope (SM-26). We will let you know when this ceremony is rescheduled.
Pictures of Fireworks and Veterans Memorial
If anyone gets any good photos or the Memorial with the Fireworks, please please share them with us! Either post them on our Facebook page, or send them to kac135975@gmail.com. With your permission, we will post to our website (and absolutely give you credit!)
Freedom Memorial Bench
We have space for 8 Veteran names on a second black granite bench similar to the existing bench (to the right of the Flag Display and Wall if you are looking from the water). The cost of the entire bench (including install and site prep) is $3,400. So, each veteran's name requires a $425 donation. Or, a family or company can have the whole bench - with their own wording on it. Please contact us if you are interested.
Waitlist for a second Wall of Honor
We are in the design phase for a second wall of honor that is different from, but keeping in the spirit of the first wall. We have quotes and are trying to keep per-veteran costs down. Updates to follow. If you want your veteran(s) on the waitlist, email Katheryn in a separate email kac135975@gmail.com
Freedom Park Fishing Shirts
Now hitting the Lake Cherokee runway...the sexy, stylish Freedom Fishing Shirt! It's a standard lightweight poly fishing shirt with front pockets and vent in back. Cost for FFP members is $55 (if you received this email, you are a member for 2026!). Non-members is $75. To place your order, text Karen (903) 736-5009
Friends of Freedom Park (FFP)
FFP is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit that is 100% managed by volunteers and financially supported by generous donors.
Our mission is to manage the upkeep and improvements of Freedom Park and to coordinate activities that honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of US Military Veterans.
More info at www.LakeCherokeeFreedomPark.org or Facebook page.
FFP Board of Directors
Barrett Newsom, President
Miguel Fabbiani, Vice President
Hunter White, Treasurer
Katheryn Johnston, Secretary
Alan Heath
Roger Morris
Karen Torres
Thomas White
As always, if you do not want to receive emails from FFP, reply to this email and let us know.
Contact Katheryn kac135975@gmail.com
Freedom Park Boat Dock
Visitors to Freedom Park agree, we need access to the Park by water. Currently the only access is by car from Persimmon Point. Boaters have to dock at Firecracker Island and walk about 1/4 mile through the gate and past the Fuel Station.
Benefits of a 2-Slip Boathouse:
Visitors could dock boats/jet skis and visit the Memorial
FFP Veterans' Fishing activities could launch from Freedom Park
Boat Visitors (with or without disabilities) wouldn't have to trek 1/4 mile to Freedom Park
Transporting chairs/supplies from CWC/northside would be easier and quicker than by vehicle
Visitors could attend ceremonies from the water
The dock design was approved by CWC this spring and, after a 3-bid process, Ferrell Construction won the contract. They are able to start this month which is amazing, but earlier than we expected.
FIRST FRIENDS 2026 COOKBOOK
First Friends, a long-time Lake Cherokee social club, is generously donating proceeds from their 2026 cookbook to Friends of Freedom Park!
Thank you ladies!
The cookbook will be $20 and contains over 250 recipes gathered by members. A nice gift for your favorite Lake Cherokee neighbor!
The cookbook is offering dedication or ad pages for those wishing to add a message and help cover costs of the cookbook.
Go to their Facebook page or CWC Portal group for more information.