Approximately 80 people attended Tuesday morning’s dedication ceremony, officially opening the restored Greasy Creek roadside park.
Among those attending was Michael Lapina, Eastern Kentucky Area operations project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Nashville District.
Speaking with WJRS NEWS afterward, Lapina described the park’s previous condition and the process of securing a lease to allow Russell County to move forward with the restoration.
The project has brought new picnic tables, benches and signage to the once-popular gathering place. County officials and members of Russell County High School’s Next Gen civics group helped plan the opening celebration.
Tuesday’s ceremony also highlighted the area’s history. County Judge-Executive Randy Marcum discussed Greasy Creek’s mill and steamboat traffic, while Terry Wariner recalled childhood family outings to the original curved bridge.
Lapina said he is pleased the restoration became a reality. He also encouraged visitors to keep safety in mind while enjoying the roadside park and Greasy Creek.
The dedication brought together local leaders, students, business representatives and residents to celebrate the park’s restoration and its place in the community’s history.