After years of anticipation and recovery, Friday marked a milestone in Dawson Springs as Governor Andy Beshear joined community leaders and residents to break ground on a long-awaited city park and pool, lost to an EF-4 tornado more than four years ago.
Mayor Sewell said the groundbreaking was a long-awaited moment since the December 10, 2021, tornado that devastated much of the town and claimed more than a dozen lives.
click to download audioShe emphasized the value of the new pool, pointing out that Dawson Springs is the gateway to western Kentucky’s lakes, including Lake Beshear and Pennyrile Lake, and that every adult and child should learn to swim. Mayor Sewell also said she will work to ensure swimming lessons are available each summer so everyone can safely enjoy local lakes and rivers.
Mayor Sewell called the city park a “priceless treasure,” where children learn to play sports and families come together.
click to download audioThe crowd also heard from Park Committee Chair Tammy Workman and Pool and Park Engineer Justin Lamb, who spoke about the challenges of securing funding from FEMA and other resources. He said it was a great honor to help build what will be a state-of-the-art, inclusive facility.
click to download audioMayor Sewell recalled how her cousin, Gov. Beshear, called her the day after the tornado and mentioned the support Dawson Springs has received since the tragic event.
click to download audioGovernor Beshear thanked Mayor Sewell and Judge Whitfield for making the project possible, reflected on his family’s roots in Dawson Springs, and spoke about the recovery since the 2021 tornado.
click to download audioHe called said the park is a place for children to enjoy, just as his own family did while growing up, and called the groundbreaking a major step forward.
click to download audioFollowing the governor’s remarks, Mayor Sewell recognized donors who have contributed $401,311, with another $124,000 pledged, before they turned the first shovels of dirt to officially launch the $6 million to $7 million project.
According to Mayor Sewell, construction will begin soon, with the entire project expected to be completed by spring 2027.
For the full audio from the ribbon-cutting ceremony, click on the audio link below.
