Beech Tree News Network

Describing the event as an “historic occasion for our town, a testament of our collective vision and a symbol of progress,” Mayor Billy Phelps spoke to commemorate the grand opening of the revitalized Charles Black City Park. On Saturday, May 27, with a large crowd in attendance, Mayor Phelps gave special thanks to the Morgantown City Maintenance Department for all of their long hours and hard work to get the park renovation completed. He also thanked Ace Engineering, Scotty’s Contracting and Paving, Knight’s Electric, DG Concrete, Mt. View Outdoors and Green River Equipment, as well as their subcontractors. He then praised the Morgantown City Council who has “diligently continued to support the project publicly and financially. Without a dedicated city council working together for the same goal,” said Phelps, “this project would never have happened.” Mayor Phelps also acknowledged the patience and support of the community, citing the “power and collaboration of a community that stands together.” He then recognized Jan Embry, daughter of Mayor Charles Black. Saying of Mayor Black, “he created this park first, with a vision for endless possibilities and opportunities.” 

Prior to this speech and a ribbon cutting at the main entrance to the park, the 1813 Freedom Park was dedicated. Located inside the Charles Black City Park, the area includes a walking path, covered benches, Military Service Flags, a large American Flag and the key piece of the park, a restored US Military tank. Mayor Phelps, surrounded by the Morgantown City Council; Judge Executive Tim Flener and some members of the Butler County Fiscal Court; Butler County Coroner, Marty Jones; Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Don Jenkins;  US Representative Brett Guthrie; Kentucky Representative Susan Miles; Kentucky Senator Steve Meredith; Gilbert Mitchell from US Senator Mitch McConnell’s Office;  Erik Sexton, Executive Director of BRADD; Doc Daugherty, past commander of the Kentucky VFW and member of the National VFW Board of Directors; Barbara Daugherty, commander of the Kentucky State Auxiliary for the VFW; and Sherry Embry, the Butler County Clerk, explained, “today, we gather here to pay tribute and honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Military. He continued, “It is a privilege to stand before you today as we dedicate the 1813 Freedom Park, in Morgantown, Kentucky. In naming this park, we draw inspiration from a significant year in our history, 1813, when Morgantown was officially incorporated by the legislature of the State of Kentucky.”

Congressman Brett Guthrie, US Congressman representing the Second Congressional District of Kentucky, as well as being a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point and a Field Artillery Officer in the 101^stAirborne Division-Air Assault at Fort Campbell, also spoke at the dedication ceremony. Guthrie reminded the crowd of the story of Joshua leading the Israelites across the Jordan River in the Bible. After God had provided a miracle of dry ground for the people to cross, Joshua had a memorial erected out of 12 stones, telling the people, “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:6-7). Guthrie compared this to the 1813 Park, as it will serve as a reminder of the sacrifice of our veterans and current service members. 

After the dedication and ribbon cutting, many other festivities began, including games for kids, cornhole, a 3 v 3 basketball tournament, and many took advantage of the sand volleyball court and huge new playground.  One lucky raffle winner, Richard Moran, attempted to win $10,000 in half-court shot contest. Although he came up short, Moran was awarded $100 for hitting the shot on his third try.

Mayor Phelps and Judge Executive Flener both received pies to the face in a Boys and Girls Club fundraiser and the Arts Guild, Morgantown Trail Town and other groups set up booths and the Morgantown Farmers Market drew a large crowd. From brooms to bread to strawberries and strudel, and lots in between, local artisans sold their wares to a steady stream of customers.

The day’s festivities ended with the opening of the Morgantown City Pool for the season. A free swim night was held from the opening at 2 until 7 pm.