News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The future vision of Meadow Creek Park in Monterey will bring together community, ecology and recreation.
The Board of Aldermen got its first look at the park master plan Monday. Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said having that pathway to develop Meadow Creek is exciting.
“To know that there is always going to be something going on out there through this park development, that’s why they should be excited,” Cleary said. “We’re taking a piece of our history, we are preserving it so other people can use it for generations to come.”
The master plan for the over 300 acre park includes walking trails, rock climbing, camping and several other programming opportunities.
The four-phased outlook was created by Olin Studios based in Philadelphia. The company contracted with Monterey for $15,000 in April. Partner Trevor Lee who has a family history in Monterey said designing the future of Meadow Creek Park was special.
“It’s really an opportunity to give back to a community that gave so much to my family over many generations, so that’s one reason,” Lee said. “The other is that it’s a rural park. It’s a park for a small community with incredible potential. It is a very unique design problem that has a huge benefit for the community.”
The plan includes a proposed 11-mile trail system composed of three types: upland, lowland and mountain biking. The path would have discoveries along the way such as a dam bridge, coal mining artifacts, zip line and natural attractions.
Cleary said the land was once home to the Clear Creek Coal Company. Cleary said past Owner Harry Talkington had a vision for the land that is now becoming a reality.
“Around the time the Clear Creek Coal Company was closing down, it was said that Harry looked out over the place and said ya know this would make a magnificent park and Harry was right,” Cleary said. “So to be able to take one step and kind of making his grand statement come true is super exciting.”
Phase one of the plan would serve as a symbolic front door to the park. Phase two would be home to the climbing room on the eastern side of the park. Phase three would be the forest room, and the most remote portion of the park would be phase 4 with trails and board walks.
With the blueprint now prepared, the multi-year project needs funding. Cleary said a lot of thought and effort working with funding agencies will be required. Cleary said some smaller items may be completed by Monterey.
