Those who have been superintendents of Great Smoky Mountains National Park say they consider the job a choice assignment in the National Park Service and have many memories from their time, both of the scenery and the challenges of being the boss.

"I think it's the best job in the National Park Service. Everything is great - the cultural resources, the park itself, a great staff, the surrounding community. There is great support in both states," said Randy Pope, superintendent from 1987-93.

The early support of cities and counties in helping with land acquisition in Tennessee and North Carolina for the park - and children with their pennies - is responsible for the affection people have for the park today, he said.

"It made it special," he said.

Pope, one of five living former park superintendents, is the only former superintendent residing in the area. He and wife Kathy live at Cobbly Knob near Gatlinburg.