Upgrades to the West Cadiz Park playground in Trigg County could be one step closer to reality.
During Tuesday night’s Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist & Convention Commission meeting, members unanimously approved entering into a financial partnership with the Cadiz-Trigg County Joint Parks and Recreation Board and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — in order to pool funding, and efforts, together for a matching grant.
In this agreement, Executive Director Bill Stevens has the authority to budget no less than $15,000 and no more than $20,000 toward the collaboration, unless the board otherwise approves a larger expenditure.
Matt Ladd, a member of both the parks and tourism panels, relayed that officials with the Corps’ Nashville District recently convened with parks officials — detailing a desire to replace playground equipment and fill material, remove and replace some structures, and hopefully make a portion of the space ADA accessible.
Stevens said it was the board’s decision, but agreed the need was there. As did parks and tourism dual member Lucas Hale.
It was in a late July Parks & Recreation meeting where officials pointed out an estimated $70,000 cost to make the entire playground ADA-accessible by way of a pour surface, as opposed to a mulch fill. A smaller ADA-available portion would, of course, cost less.
But three partners splitting the bill alongside any potential state or federal matches likely brings larger scope to the project, and could allow for a more thorough renovation.
Ladd, by way of Nashville District Lake Manager Kayl Kite, relayed that a new playground installed in the Kuttawa/Eddyville area — one damaged by storms last year — cost about $45,000.
Though the West Cadiz Park playground and its surroundings have seen improvements through the years, Hale, Ladd and others at the table confirmed that it’s been “quite some time” since the town centerpiece nestled against Little River has seen a true lift.
Without the West Cadiz Park, the city is without large family-friendly green space. Inside the city limits and maintained by city officials, there’s Juanita Oates Park on Hayden Street, and Cadiz Central Park at the west end of the walking trail.
And that’s it.
In other tourism news:
— Stevens and Hale both made mention of Canton’s recent economic explosion, as the Red Brick Inn, the Golden Pond Distillery, Stoney Brook and Nine Pines Glamping have all launched in the last year.
— Jamie Lewis, director of guest services, said this Saturday’s free-to-the-public “Food & Music” Festival will have more than 20 craft vendors and food trucks, as well as four musical acts at the pavilion.
From 10-11 AM, it’s the Carroll Peyton Band. From 11:15 AM until 12:15 PM, it’s the Misfits. From 12:30-1:30 PM, it’s the Phalcons. And from 1:45-3:45 PM, it’s Hot Dancing with the main show.
While the one in April was spoiled with early showers and thunderstorms, weather should be more cooperative this time. A 20% chance of precipitation lingers around lunchtime, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 81.
— Stevens also confirmed that the Trigg Terror Haunted Seed Mill, next to I-24, is a part of kentuckyafterdark.com, a list of paranormal destinations across the Commonwealth. Just in time for fall and the Halloween spirit, it’s a passport program used to direct thrill-seekers on trips across the state. Tourism offices will have these passports available beginning October 1.
