The City of Hopkinsville is inviting the public to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new Rotary Park on Tuesday, April 28, at 2 p.m. on Pardue Lane.
City officials say the new park is designed as a recreational space for residents of all ages and abilities, with its centerpiece being Playtopia, a new inclusive playground built to serve children of all abilities. The playground includes accessible play structures, sensory-focused features and other design elements intended to encourage interaction, exploration and play in an inclusive setting.
In addition to the playground, Rotary Park also includes improved walking pathways for accessibility, new signage, landscaping and other amenities aimed at creating a welcoming space for families and visitors.
Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Superintendent Toby Hudson said the new park reflects the city’s effort to create gathering spaces that are accessible and community-focused.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will include remarks from city officials and community partners who helped make the project possible, and the public is encouraged to attend.
The new park has been several years in the making. In 2024, the City of Hopkinsville said the original concept for Rotary Park included walking trails, benches, basketball courts, playground equipment and parking areas, with the project initially funded through a mix of grants. Those funding sources included a $75,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant with a $75,000 local match, $669,654 in American Rescue Plan funds, and a $100,000 Recreational Trails Program grant with a $20,000 local match.
City officials said the project later evolved after community discussions led to a decision to replace a standard playground with a more specialized inclusive playground for children with special needs. That change required plans to be resubmitted for funding approval and significantly increased costs. According to the city, the original playground had been expected to cost roughly $50,000 to $60,000, while the inclusive playground concept was estimated at around $1 million.
The city also said the local Rotary Club contributed $100,000 toward the inclusive playground effort, helping support the project and securing naming rights for the park.
