New park debuts in Henderson County
HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Henderson County’s newest park has just made its debut.
Located off of Highway 412 West and Nancy Wilson Drive, Westover Park sits on three acres of land, and it’s packed with some cool features.
“We added a couple of extra activities, behind–to my right, we’ve got an activity here where children can throw a ball and to my back left there’s some workout equipment where people come out and it’s more bodyweight,” said Henderson County Mayor Robbie McCready.
This project was funded by a grant secured in partnership with county commissioners, Rep. Brock Martin, and more, totaling over $343,000. Also a $25,000 grant made possible by Simmons Bank funded some extra amenities.
“Nothing’s better than a community park. This brings everybody together from socio-economical backgrounds,” said Representative Martin. “Activities and exercise is great for mental health and for children, but it also just brings people together, which then we need, we get more people together, we see that we’re a lot more alike than we think.”
Community leaders gathered to dedicate a walking trail in memory of one special resident.
“Jake [Walker Melton] was a young child who was diagnosed with spina bifida and could never run and play like other children,” Mayor McCready said. “Jake passed several years ago, and one thing that Jake never got to do was participate in activities on playgrounds like other children.”
“We wanted a place where anyone with a disability felt welcomed, somewhere they can also have ground play, so the walking track was a big part of that,” McCready added.
This park includes streetlamps, ramps for accessibility, and a full load of amenities to enjoy.
“We were the only section of the county that did not have a park on this area,” said District 2 Commissioner Tommy Page.
“This is going to be here for generations to come and that we all will get to enjoy it,” said District 2 Commissioner Tonya Stegall.
Westover Park is dedicated in memory of John Wood, a past school board member who dreamed of establishing a park in the area.
Westover Park has one final inspection Wednesday evening, but the community is invited to enjoy the amenities.
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