Park City: A Small Town Doing Big Things

In the heart of Southern Kentucky, nestled amid rolling hills and verdant landscapes, lies Park City – a quaint yet vibrant community that is proving that “small towns can do big things.”

With a spirit of collaboration and a shared vision for the future, Park City is on the brink of an exciting development journey that promises to transform the town and enhance the lives of its residents.

Brimming with historic charm and natural beauty, Park City has long been cherished by locals and visitors alike. However, recent years have seen a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm as community leaders and residents come together to propel the town into a new era of prosperity.

At the forefront of Park City’s development efforts is a commitment to preserving its rich heritage while embracing innovation and progress. From revitalizing downtown storefronts to expanding recreational opportunities and attracting new businesses, the town is embarking on a multifaceted approach to ensure sustainable growth and economic vitality.

Mayor Larry Poteet, a driving force behind Park City’s development initiatives, emphasizes the importance of community collaboration in achieving these goals. One of the key projects underway is the inclusion of ADA compliant playground equipment.

“I’d love to see a splash-pad put in as well as an expansion to or walking trail from the (Lyon’s Club) park to our new property,” Poteet said. “More than anything though is finding ADA compliant playground equipment.” This equipment specifically made for differently abled children, allows them to make those same memories children without disabilities create at the playground.

Additionally, Park City is investing in its natural assets, recognizing the importance of outdoor recreation by making plans for expanding hiking trails, developing green spaces around the Lyon’s Club Park, opening the door to make the park a place for the community to come together regularly and not just for one day events.

Angela Briggs, city code enforcement officer, summarized the city’s efforts for development.

Park City’s youth are not the only members enjoying the city’s plans for expansion, but the city’s older population are also seeing the benefits of a senior center opened next to city hall, in partnership with the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD).

“When we started, we had around 10-12 seniors that we fed, that number has increased to over 100 seniors,” Briggs said. “The great thing about this program is it’s providing congregate meals. So many of these seniors have lost spouses or don’t have a place to socialize and we’re giving them an opportunity to get back out and make friends.”

Briggs and Poteet both mirrored that the stimulation seniors who regularly attended at the center had reported that they were more active socially, and physically with several attesting recent doctor visits showed a marked improvement to the senior’s overall health and wellbeing.

As with all things, these awe-inspiring plans come with an awe-inspiring price tag. While smaller changes are made by the city every day, more tangible expansion takes much longer requiring the proper time, vision, planning, and funding. While Poteet and his team work tirelessly to make these large changes happen, it can be slow goings, which is why he explains that the most valuable assist to aiding the city is the community that makes it up.

The development of Park City is not merely about physical infrastructure; it is also about fostering a sense of pride, belonging, and opportunity among its residents. Several of the local businesses have been seeing an uptick in their clientele particularly when the city hosts downtown events. Kim Nunn, owner and operator of the eclectic store “Grateful Hearts” commented on how the city’s expansion and development has affected her business.

As Park City charts its course for the future, the sentiment of optimism and possibility reverberates throughout the community. Residents, business owners, and civic leaders are united in their belief that by embracing change and seizing opportunities, Park City can continue to thrive and prosper for generations to come.

In an era where urban centers often dominate the spotlight, Park City serves as a poignant reminder that the spirit of innovation and progress knows no geographic boundaries. Indeed, in this charming Southern town, the mantra rings true: small towns can do big things, and in Park City, the journey toward a brighter tomorrow is well underway.