The Daviess Fiscal Court, since its inception in January 2023, has embarked on an ambitious initiative to significantly enhance the five county parks, signaling a new era of public recreational investment. This commitment underscores a strategic focus on improving community infrastructure and expanding opportunities for outdoor activities, marking a notable shift in local government priorities.
A recent meeting of the court’s Parks & Recreation Working Committee, held at the Daviess County Courthouse, underscored the magnitude of this undertaking. Committee members meticulously reviewed an impressive nearly $3 million in park projects, earmarked within the 2025-26 Fiscal Year budget. This substantial allocation includes funds rolled over from previous fiscal periods, consolidating resources for a comprehensive overhaul.
Commissioner Larry Conder, who chairs the committee, emphasized the unprecedented nature of this financial dedication. He remarked on the historical significance of such a substantial investment by a Fiscal Court into its park system, suggesting that this presents a unique window of opportunity to address longstanding issues and introduce new amenities across all parks within the next two years.
The renewed focus on park development was largely inspired by Jordan Rowe, the county’s communications director, who assumed parks director duties in late 2023. Rowe’s “big vision” brought to light a significant number of unaddressed needs, prompting a comprehensive strategy to elevate the condition of parks that, according to Conder, had received minimal attention for over three decades, highlighting a crucial period of “catching up.”
Key projects include a $550,000 allocation for lights at Horse Creek Fork Park soccer fields, though this particular project is under reevaluation based on input from the Daviess County Youth Soccer Association, which prioritizes field maintenance, drainage, and a central restroom facility. This highlights the court’s responsiveness to community needs and adaptive planning for optimal park improvements.
Yellow Creek Park is set to receive the largest share of funding, with over $1 million designated for the construction of modern pickleball courts, upgraded restrooms, and new shelters. These county park enhancements are anticipated to significantly boost park attendance, drawing in new visitors and revitalizing the overall community recreation experience, transforming Yellow Creek into a vibrant hub.
Beyond infrastructure, the Fiscal Court is also prioritizing the expansion of community events within the parks. Seven events have already been successfully hosted this year, with an additional seven scheduled, including the popular Christmas at Panther Creek. This initiative aims to foster greater community engagement and maximize the utility of the improved park facilities, learning and adapting through experience.
Furthermore, discussions have touched upon the park department’s rental fees for shelters. While current rates are considerably lower than neighboring municipalities, reflecting a desire to cover variable costs rather than generate revenue, Commissioner Conder has also floated the idea of increasing funding for the seven boards comprising the Daviess County Playground Association to make a more significant impact on the quality of Kentucky parks for children.
Ross Leigh, the parks department’s outreach coordinator, presented data indicating that attendance at these events can now be accurately tracked through placer data from the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau, utilizing cellphone tracking within park boundaries. This innovative approach provides valuable insights into visitor engagement and aids in future event planning and resource allocation for ongoing park improvements.
