NEWS RELEASE
HENDERSON, Ky. – The brand-new East End Park and the City of Henderson Parks & Recreation Department staff were winners on Friday at an awards luncheon that wrapped up the annual Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society conference.
East End Park, officially opened on Sept. 28, won the Facility Award in its class. “The city of Henderson undertook this neighborhood revitalization that would create a sense of community pride among all residents,” said presenter Tab Brockman. “The project started with the purchase of an abandoned and dilapidated church and developed into a half-acre oasis of a walkable, playful space for the ‘East End’ neighborhood.”
Brockman called it a “true partnership of public and private organizations who came together for the rebuilding of this community, and there is more to come.”
Final touches are being put on the nearby Audubon Kids Zone community center that will complement the park.
The Parks Department also won Outstanding Department in its class (11-19 employees).
“The Henderson Parks & Recreation Department is known as the little engine that could,” said presenter Terri Wilkerson. “With a staff of under 20, the (department) oversees more than 312 acres of land including parks, athletic fields, cemeteries, aquatic features, a golf course, Dog Park, trails and other amenities.
“You would have to look long and hard to find a department that does more with less,” she added.
The KRPS conference took place in Hopkinsville this year.
Photo (left to right): City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Director Trace Stevens, Gary Parsons, Recreation Program Manager Mark Simmons, Assistant City Manager Buzzy Newman.