Mayor Knight talks Bluegrass Splash, downtown, public safety

Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight may be entering the last six months of his term, but that doesn’t mean he’s resting on his laurels, as the city considers new developments and recreation wants.

The fate of Bluegrass Splash Family Aquatic Park has been up in the air for some time as officials and community members alike debate on what should be done with the facility on the Eagle Way Bypass. There have been public hearings, committees formed and then disbanded and discussions at city council. Now, individuals can take part in a survey detailing exactly what they want to see happen.

Speaking with WHOP Friday, Mayor Knight says council wants all of the information possible to have so they can make an informed decision. He calls the water park a quality-of-life issue, saying recreation ventures are for enjoyment, not necessarily economic gain.

The survey, which includes other recreation questions, can be found online at hoptown.org/survey and it’s open until July 12.

Knight says he also remains driven to bring something to where the Phoenix Building once stood, as he doesn’t want it to remain empty in the long term.

Mayor Knight also briefly spoke on the recent rash of shootings and stabbing incidents that have resulted in deaths, ending Hopkinsville’s streak of no homicides that happened in 2025. He says he doesn’t know what the answer is, but he and Hopkinsville Police Chief Jason Newby are in constant contact on how to make the city safer.

He called for calm thoughts and cooler heads, saying that once a life is taken, nothing can ever be done to get it back or make things right.

He asked for everyone to keep the families of those lost in their prayers, and work together with law enforcement to help make Hopkinsville a safer place to live.