Park project will be key piece of puzzle

Published 12:54 pm Thursday, April 12, 2018

Sometimes, it is possible for a community to make great strides forward literally right in front of our eyes.

Other times, it takes years and lots of behind-the-scenes work to see progress achieved.

Winchester and Clark County got to see a little bit of both Monday afternoon.

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The Greater Clark Foundation officially broke ground on what is still being called Project 1107, an endeavor we believe could truly be a community changing undertaking with ramifications that will be felt for years to come.

The 30-acres, known as Project 1107 for its address at 1107 W. Lexington Ave., will be transformed into a park that establishes a legacy of well-being in Clark County, according to a press release from GCF.

There will be spaces for recreation, education and cultural activities and opportunities for people of all ages to play, reflect, exercise and use their imaginations — together.

The park will include a two-acre children’s play space, nature trails and walking paths, a dog park, native plants and large lawns and embraces Winchester’s unique location, “where the Bluegrass meets Appalachia,” according to the release.

The park will be ADA-accessible and the playspace was designed with inclusivity for children of all abilities. Features include climbing structures, swings, loose parts play and a stream that offer a throwback to the nature play of the past when children played outside in creeks and went on hikes.

Green space like this goes a long way toward developing the quality of life attractions that make families want to call a community home.

Couple this with other ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown, add dining options and create appealing housing opportunities and it all adds up to significant steps towards a brighter future for Winchester-Clark County.