Ribbon Cutting Held At Meadow Creek Park

Some 40 years ago when Clear Creek Coal Company ceased mining operations off Highway 62 in Monterey, one of the coal miners declared that the area would be perfect for a park.

Harry Talkington’s vision got one step closer to becoming a reality Friday. Monterey Mayor Bill Wiggins told the story of Talkington’s vision as the town held a ribbon cutting for the new access road leading to the 381 acre Meadow Creek Park.

“We’re gonna make this become a first-class outdoor recreation area,” Monterey Mayor Bills Wiggins said. “We have some mighty dreams here and our engineer is drawing up a grand plan.”

The comprehensive park plan, developed by Warren and Associates Engineering, will include a dock, handicap kayak ramp, walking and biking trails, and other park amenities.

Elk Mountain construction recently completed the $89,360 project to make improvements to the existing dirt and gravel road and parking area. An Appalachian Regional Commission grant funded $62,550 for the project and Monterey provided a $26,809 match.

Brooxie Carlton, who represents the Appalachian Regional Commission in Tennessee, said the progress at the park is exactly what the ARC wants to see.

“You’ve taken that seed money and made it into something great,” Carlton said. “I expect to come here in years to come and be able to canoe and kayak out there and continue to enjoy this park.”

The park is located about four to five miles outside of town off Highway 62. Monterey purchased the property by eminent domain back in 1991.

Monterey plans to utilize a number of grant opportunities to help fund the comprehensive park plans.