Busy Jackson park set to widen trails

JACKSON, Tenn. — Narrow paths at one of the Hub City’s most popular hubs for recreation, Liberty Garden Park, are getting an upgrade.

“This park is one of our most heavily used parks. The trail has narrowed. It originally was five feet but grass has encroached on it and people are having to step off the trail,” Jackson Parks and Recreation’s Tony Black said.

The park was built and dedicated as a memorial to the 9-11 terror attacks. Jodi Jacobs with the ‘Keep Jackson Beautiful’ initiative says that makes this space even more special.

“We dedicated the first part in 2003 with the walking trail and the gazebo, and then we’ve added a bathroom and the freedom plaza, and how we’re working on a gazebo out there,” Jacobs said.

City leaders were awarded a $100,000 grant through the state. Liberty Garden Park continues to grow because of the amount of people using it each day.

“Parks are the greatest asset our city has in terms of amenities for people who want to get out and be active and that’s what we’re promoting and will continue to promote,” Black said.

Construction is expected to start on the park in spring of 2017.

The grant had to be matched 80/20 by the city of Jackson. City leaders agreed to put just more than $25,000 toward this project.