The Rotary Club of Hopkinsville has made a donation to help start the local fundraising initiative for an inclusive playground.
Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tab Brockman said the $100,000 lead gift to the city will help start the process for the playground in the area formerly known as Pardue Lane Park.
The public-private fundraising goal for the playground is $900,000 and citizen organizers will soon begin a campaign to raise enough funds to build an over 17,000 square-foot playground to serve children and adults with mobility and sensory challenges.
Hopkinsville City Council recently accepted and recognized the club’s significant gift by renaming the former Pardue Lane Park to Rotary Park at Pardue Lane. Council heard plans last year and authorized funds for major development of the park, including walking trails, pavilions, and a basketball court.
Plans also called for a modest traditional playground before a local citizen group, led by investment advisor Holly Bivins, approached the council to consider a more expansive, inclusive playground as part of the development, which was ultimately approved.
In addition to Bivins, other core group members spearheading the project are Whitney Holland, Sara Downs, Ashley Boze, and Lacey Petty. The group anticipates funding from private citizens, industry, and businesses through grants dedicated to inclusive playground development.
Donations can be made to the project either through the Hopkinsville Rotary Club or through Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation, where gifts will be placed in a trust fund set up for the inclusive playground.
