Putnam County Looking At Land For Future Tornado Memorial

Putnam County and Cookeville are looking to acquire land for a park and have a dedication set up by the anniversary of the March tornado.

Mayor Randy Porter said there are two or three pieces of land being considered for the green space honoring those lost and those who survived the tornado. Porter said areas along Highway 70, an area near the Patton Dollhouse Museum and the heart of the destruction, near Hensley Drive are being considered.

“There’s really no green space in that area, of course Echo Valley was there, the swimming pool and the picnic area but it was also destroyed by the tornado,” Porter said. “I think this will be a nice addition to the area down there and also be able to memorialize those folks that lost their lives.”

Porter said a location is not finalized, but the goal is.

“Our goal is to try and get the land purchased and a dedication set up for March,” Porter said. “At the first year anniversary of the tornado. We want something that not only honors those folks that lost their lives and the ones that survived but for the community to be able to enjoy a new green space.”

Porter said the Cookeville and Putnam community can help donate towards this effort on the county’s main website, and donations are tax deductible. There is a Memorial Park fund link on the front page of putnamcountytn.gov.