Each year, the Jeffers Bend Environmental Center in Hopkinsville gets one step closer to its full realization — in what continues to be a peaceful natural refuge just inside the city limits, fit for fun, families, flora and fauna to coexist and create a learning atmosphere.
Wednesday afternoon, local dignitaries celebrated another addition to the property, in what was a dedication of the recently-completed 30-foot x 40-foot pavilion in the back-left corner of the grounds.
Volunteer Pennyrile Resource Conservation & Development Coordinator Charles Turner noted this project all began as an idea back in 2018 through roundtable discussion. Now in fruition, the new space will allow for more Jeffers Bend programming and community use within churches, families, civic organizations and businesses.
Home to the Water Festival, Take Kids Fishing, Naturefest, Torchlight Tales & Bell Witch Costume Affairs, Christmas at the Bend, Jeffers Bend has long served as a safe and superb location for school field trips, Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority gatherings and more.
Turner added there are plans in place for a second, identical pavilion could be constructed next year.
Among its seasonal activities, Jeffers Bend offers one very niche platform for local students: Eagle Scout projects, through the Boy Scouts of America. Turner said some of Jeffers Bend’s early days came at the hands of these aspiring scouts, who need community service outlets for their rank.
Of course, scouts need pavilions just like everyone else.
Contractors and agencies involved with this pavilion’s creation included David East Construction, Cowan Brooks Electrical Services, Hopkinsville Electric System, the Christian County Road Department and the Christian County Jail’s Community Service Program.
