Ribbon cutting for Market Square ART Park held in Paducah

PADUCAH, KY (KFVS) - Crews are putting the finishing touches on the newest park in the City of Paducah.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Market Square ART Park will be Friday, June 10 at 10 a.m.  The small city-owned park was previously a vacant lot located between two downtown buildings.

Mayor Gayle Kaler initiated the project with the desire to turn a small vacant area into a creative outdoor space.

"Spaces that are tucked away offer a place for reflection, reading, conversation and enjoyment of the surroundings.  This ART park is a pocket park which implies a secret garden place that can be used in many ways by our community and visitors," Mayor Gayle Kaler said. "I believe people will be very happy with their newly reborn space on Market Square. In the park's design, using local artists was a priority for me.  The park has been a collaboration of many minds and talents along with community and business support."

In addition to seating areas and landscaping, the park features metal art panels designed by Char Downs, fiber art banners created by Freda Fairchild, glazed ceramic art tiles by John Hasegawa, and the sculpture, Fluid Progress, by Michael Copeland and Lu Colby.  Copeland and Colby are Paducah School of Art & Design sculpture students.

Durwin Ursery developed the park's initial schematic designs with J. Patrick Kerr, Architects completing the final designs.

In June 2015, the City accepted a $44,371 bid from Midstates Construction Company for the park's construction.  Paducah Main Street received a Creative Placemaking grant from the Paducah Board of Realtors to assist with the cost of the art pieces.  Also, the El Arbol Garden Club sponsored one of the cast iron benches.

For more information about the Market Square ART Park, contact the City of Paducah Planning Department at 270-444-8690.

Download the KFVS News app: iPhone | Android

Copyright 2016 KFVS. All rights reserved.