Across Hopkinsville, multiple recreation improvement projects are underway or are in the brainstorming phase, and Mayor J.R. Knight recently appeared on WHOP to provide some updates.
Progress continues at Rotary Park on Pardue Lane, and Knight says the playground equipment will be installed soon.
Rotary Park neighbors the Pardue Lane Dog Park and will include sidewalk trails and a playground that promotes inclusive play for all ages. The playground costs around $850,000 and is set to be around 13,600 square feet with multiple levels accessible by ramps.
In July, the playground was facing a funding shortfall of around $375,000. Knight says the city council voted to cover the shortfall so that construction could continue.
Rotary Park sits along the Hopkinsville Greenway Trail System, and Knight says city staff are still pushing to extend the walking trail over the Eagle Way Bypass to Tie Breaker Park. He says they are currently searching for grants to support the extension.
Then on Tuesday, officials with the city and Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation are set to host a dedication ceremony renaming the Second Street Park to Fred Atkins Park, to honor the late city council member.
Knight says developing and improving local recreation areas is a part of his Growing Home Initiative. He says they are also looking for a new coordinator for the Hopkinsville Land Bank Authority to revitalize some of the city’s empty lots.
The Growing Home Initiative focuses on improving public safety, economic development, city cleanliness and staff support.