News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville is hosting a community input meeting to hear local ideas for the future of West End Park on October 6.
Leisure Services Director Rick Woods said the city has been accounting for costs, boundaries and playground updates in the park. However, Woods said the goal of the meeting is to step back and hear what the community and neighborhood wants to see.
“We don’t want to drive or push any particular idea or thought,” Woods said. “We want to hear what the community thinks is important and what folks in that neighborhood would like to see for that park.”
Woods said there is four to five acres of land in the park, but some of that is already being used. However, the city is looking for input on the 2.3 acres of multi-use field.
“That has been utilized for a variety of different things that we want to hear what the community and the neighborhood says about that particular area,” Woods said. “If it needs to continue to be a multi-purpose field or should it be used for something else, is it a better use of that space to re-purpose it.”
Previously, Woods said there used to be a West End Community Center in the park and the property was used by the neighborhood’s Darwin School. The Darwin School was for African-American students in Putnam and surrounding counties.
“It’s a very special piece of property for that neighborhood and we want to honor that, recognize that,” Woods said. “Keep it a special place for that particular neighborhood park.”
This community meeting will take place at the McClellan Avenue Church of Christ at 5:30 PM. For more meeting information, residents can contact 931-520-4386 for Cookeville Leisure Services.
