WOOFSTOCK 2018 will be September 15 with Anna Simpson as chairwoman. Stay tuned for details.
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$10,000 to Greenway Trail
The Shelby County Parks Foundation has received a $10,000 donation so construction will definitely begin this fall along Clear Creek off North Seventh Street where the Citizens Union Bank Community Park sign has been erected. That was the final amount needed to match the $100,000 grant from the state.
The funds came from Dan Burk and his wife, Linda Hill, owners of Farrier Product Distribution on Haven Hill Road.
The parks foundation held a fund-raiser for the Greenway Trail in June that allowed adults to bicycle along county roads and for families to bicycle in the park and nearby neighborhoods. Those events brought in $5,000 and attracted an anonymous $40,000 gift. Burk said, “We decided we wanted to help.”
$45,000 for Greenway Trail
Construction should begin on the Phase 2 of the Greenway Trail along Clear Creek off North Seventh Street – thanks to those who participated in bicycle ride fund-raisers June 3 and an anonymous gift of $40,000.
Parks Consultant Clay Cottongim was overwhelmed when an individual approached him as a result of the Parks Poker Pedal and Parks Pedal Party events earlier this month. “The person was willing to give the money as long as it remained anonymous… and in the spirit that it would be a challenge to others to meet that amount so the Phase 2 plans could move forward,” he said.
The Shelby County Parks Foundation received a $100,000 matching state grant. This anonymous gift and the $5,000 raised by the cyclists leaves about $11,000 that still needs to be collected. Cottongim said individual donations have been received ranging from $50 to $1,000 – along with an anonymous $10,000 and $5,000. Cottongim explained that a tract of land valued at about $65,000 was donated by Citizens Union Bank as well.
“We are thrilled to see the positive response from the public. It shows Phase 1 was a welcomed addition to the parks system and that citizens want more,” Cottongim said, explaining that tax-deductible donations can be mailed to Parks Foundation, 715 Burks Branch Road, Shelbyville KY 40065.
WOOFSTOCK helps Bark Park
Mark your calendars now for the Shelby County Parks Foundation’s fifth annual WOOFSTOCK event on September 16th at Michael Kay’s Bark Park in Red Orchard Park located at 704 Kentucky Street in Shelbyville. There will be events, competitions, fun and games for the whole family, especially your dogs! Dog events will include lure coursing, dog trick contests, doggie demonstrations, fashion contests and more for four-legged friends. There will also be booths of all kinds, food, music including live bands and other forms of entertainment for two-legged friends.
Camp Hi-Ho will again be the main sponsor, but there is plenty of opportunity to sponsor an activity, competition or another item for the dogs, according to Chairperson Cynthia Cottongim. Sponsors for each event, vendors and volunteers are needed; proceeds will benefit the Shelby County Parks Foundation to continue improvements for the Bark Park.
Sponsorship opportunities begin at $50, with your name included on everything from banners to ads and T-shirt advertisement. Booth spaces are also available for $30. Individuals and businesses can contact Cottongim at 321-0282. Items are also being solicited for the silent auction, being coordinated by Beth Wood, who can be reached by calling 321-2549 to donate items. All donations are tax-deductible.
Cottongim said, “Last year we had 200+ who attended for a day of tail-wagging fun! Committees are already working hard preparing for the event. Let’s make this a great day for the dogs and the Shelby County Parks Foundation!”
Boots & Bridles 2018 date set
The sawdust has barely settled at Undulata Farm where the Boots & Bridles Equestrian Gala was held May 20. The fund-raiser for Shelby Trails Park was deemed a success so the Shelby County Parks Foundation has already set the date for 2018: May 19. The dinner, auction and concert will take place again at Undulata and Kentucky’s country rocker JD Shelburne has agreed to perform again. Parks Consultant Clay Cottongim said, “So mark your calendars now so you can make plans to attend or become a sponsor for this event.”
Register now for Pedal events
“Put your pedal to the pavement” could be send-off cheer for the second annual Park’s Poker Pedal and Park’s Pedal Party events planned for Saturday, June 3. Starting at the amphitheatre at Clear Creek Park, the two bicycle events will benefit the second phase of the Greenway Trail off North Seventh Street.
Parks consultant Clay Cottongim said hundreds have enjoyed walking, hiking, biking and jogging along the first Phase of the Greenway Trail that winds its way along Clear Creek. The second phase has received a $100,000 matching grant toward which land and monetary donations have been made. However, Cottongim said the goal for the June 3 activities is to bring in $25,000. The overall master plan will take the Greenway Trail eventually to Red Orchard Park.
This two-mile stretch is off North Seventh Street, starting at the Seventh Street bridge and running around behind Calvary Cemetery, school and private properties to connect to Lake Shelby. The Park’s Pedal Party will use some existing paved trails from the park to Lake Shelby and to adjacent neighborhoods. It travels 2 to 8 miles with a $8 registration fee single; $24 for family of four; $6 each additional family member; children 5 and under free.
The Poker Pedal takes cyclists on county roads with various stops that provide refreshments, a History Quiz with prizes at the end for those with the most correct answers, and a draw for cards to create the prize winning poker hand. Prizes also awarded for this non-competitive ride. The routes and registration fees are:
*62 mile …$45 registration fee
*40 mile …$45 registration fee
*21 mile …$20 registration fee
The Park’s Poker Pedal begins at 8:30 a.m. with the Park’s Pedal Party beginning at 10 a.m. (Raindate is June 4). Riders for both non-competitive events can register online at www.headfirstperformance.com. Late registration fee is an additional $10. Registration forms can also be obtained at Clear Creek Park.
Questions can be directed to Cottongim: 502-437-5244 or 502-321-0612.
Greenway Trail donations
The Parks Foundation is closer to reaching its $100,000 matching grant from the state! Two anonymous donations have been made toward the Phase 2 Greenway Trail project: $5,000 and $10,000. Parks Consultant Clay Cottongim said, “It is gratifying to know individuals and/or groups believe in our vision for this accessible trail. We just hope this generates even more contributors!”
About $40,000 has been raised for the two-mile stretch from North Seventh Street to Lake Shelby. Cottongim said one design being worked out is to develop a wet bridge from the Trail to connect to the existing path toward Brentwood subdivision and Painted Stone Elementary.
The Park’s Poker Pedal and Park’s Pedal Party on June 3 will also designate funds for the Greenway Trail. Registration for both events is due May 27. You may register online at http://www.headfirstperformance.com or pick up a form at the Family Activity Center, 717 Burks Branch Road, Clear Creek Park, Shelbyville.
If you simply want to make a monetary donation to the Greenway Trail, the tax-deductible gifts can be mailed to the above address. Cottongim said, “Some families earmark their gifts as memorials or honorariums. We are happy to acknowledge both since these gifts are lasting legacies in our community.”
Poker Pedal in June
Pedal from Clear Creek Park Amphitheatre through scenic Shelby County KY to support Phase 2 of the multi-purpose Greenway Trails under construction along Clear Creek… as featured on the downtown mural featured on this site, painted by Carole Powell.
A $100,000 matching grant has been received from the state so we need about $80,000 to start construction on Phase 2. Every dollar from the Park’s Poker Pedal will help!
Riders can register online at www.headfirstperformance.com. Late registration fee $10 more after midnight May 27. Stops along each route provide refreshments, a History Quiz with prizes at the end for those with the most correct answers, and a draw for cards to create the prize winning poker hand! Prizes awarded for this non-competitive ride.
*62 mile …$45 registration fee
*40 mile …$45 registration fee
*21 mile …$20 registration fee
*2 to 8 miles …$8 registration fee single; $24 for family of four; $6 each additional family member; children 5 and under free
“We will gather at Clear Creek Park’s Amphitheater, 717 Burks Branch Road for the adult routes. There are some major hills, otherwise, it’s as flat as a biker could imagine!” Parks volunteer Dee Maynard explained. “The short routes are ideal for children and families who want a secure and safe route since it winds through the park and surrounding neighborhoods.”
Raindate will be Sunday, June 4, but, in keeping with the poker theme, we are betting on good weather and nice temperatures this year. We have already been handed a winning hand, thanks to our corporate sponsor Shelbyville Chiropractic & Rehab Center and sponsorships from Shelby Tourism Commission, Clear Creek Conservation Trust and Fit4Less.
For information, contact Clay Cottongim, 502-437-5244/502-321-0612.
$100,000 grant
UPDATE- Even though we received this great $100,000 grant from the state… it is a matching grant, which means we need about $80,000 before construction can begin on Phase 2 of the Greenway Trail.
Shelby County Parks Foundation was established in 2011 to play a major role in maintaining, enhancing and expanding local parks. “The city/county network of parks and greenspaces represent the spirit of our citizens – a commitment to a rich quality of life through healthy, active, engaged neighborhoods,” said Mimi Ward, chair of the foundation.
She and Parks Grant Writer/Parks Consultant Clay Cottongim are happy to report that Governor Matt Bevin has supported the commitment by awarding a $100,000 Recreational Trails Program matching grant. The Recreational Trails Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. Grants may be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements; development and/or maintenance of recreational trails; and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use.
The state’s philosophy in providing these grants is two-fold: promoting physical activities for citizens and promoting tourism activities in various communities. Judge-Executive Dan Ison said, “This is quite a compliment to Shelby County to receive this grant from the state. State grants are hard to obtain so this speaks highly of the quality of this program.”
The $100,000 matching grant awarded to Judge-Executive Ison, Fiscal Court and Parks will be used on Phase 2 of the Greenway Trail. This two-mile stretch is off North Seventh Street, starting at the Seventh Street bridge and running around behind Calvary Cemetery, school and private properties to connect to Lake Shelby.
Phase 1 received $50,000 from J. Clifford Todd toward that federal/state matching grant along with over $50,000 in other private and other agency donations. His interest in riding bicycles prompted the formation of the Park’s Poker Pedal event last May. Cottongim said a little over $5,000 was raised at the event, despite rain and cold temperatures last year. The committee has set this year’s June 3rd event goal at $25,000.
He and parks foundation directors knows there is excitement about the extension of the Greenway Trail. “We have had hundreds of users on the one-mile trail – everything from babies in strollers to people in wheelchairs to runners,” Cottongim explained about the Phase 1 Greenway Trail that has been popular with citizens of all ages. James and Janet Heady admit they’re too old to walk the trail in cold weather but typically they went three days a week. She said, “We walk the entire length and will be glad when we can go on the next phase.”
When Dr. Dan Bowersox donated a tract of land for the Phase 1 trail, Cottongim learned from the optometrist’s employees that several walk the path every day at lunch. A wooden stairway behind City Hall on Washington Street is accessible to the creek-side path.
Parks Foundation volunteers are now seeking donations to match the $100,000. Judge-executive Ison said Fiscal Court is happy to provide its financial allotment as well as in-kind services for the project. He hopes citizens will also get on board, “In order for the parks system to grow, we need a commitment for donations and a commitment for participation in activities.”
Others have expressed appreciation for the Greenway Trail, according to Cottongim, because “The seasons can be enjoyed from a different vantage point since you are eye-to-eye with Clear Creek. People are also face-to-face with nature and exposed to wildlife even though they are in the middle of town. Several have said they wished that phase was longer. Now their wish has come true because the new phase will add two more miles!”
Gala supports Shelby Trails
UPDATE- We are thrilled with reservations that have already been made! May 20 will be here before you know it, so the Parks Foundation has made it easy: register online for this first annual event in support of capital improvements and upgrades at Shelby Trails Park! CLICK: https://form.jotform.com/70535339362154
Deeded to the parks system in 2010 by Dr. Roger & Diane Shott of Anchorage, a 462-acre piece of land at 5063 Aiken Road in Simpsonville became Shelby Trails… and became a magnet for those wanting to hike, ride horses, and even receive riding lessons.
The property features 21 dedicated, groomed, hiking and horseback riding trials; a beautiful 32-stall barn; and an indoor and outdoor arena for year-round riding. However, Parks Consultant Clay Cottongim said improvements are needed so funds are needed as well.
Katie Crotzer is serving as committee chair for a fund-raising event called Boots & Bridles. The equestrian gala will take place Saturday, May 20 at historic Undulata Farm, 1600 Zaring Mill Road in Shelbyville. She said, “We appreciate the cooperation and generosity of ‘Hoppy’ Bennett, who with his brother, R.H., are well known in the horse community. Opening up his stable for our event will add a touch of horse and a touch of history.”
There will be a dinner, cocktails, live auction, silent auction and door prizes. Entertainment will be provided by J.D. Shelburne, who is called “Kentucky’s Country Rocker.” Shelburne’s website reports “Shelburne grew up on a tobacco farm in Taylorsville. At age 19, he found a guitar after the death of his grandmother and began learning to play and sing on his own. By his sophomore year of college, he had found a few gigs at some local bars in the Louisville/Lexington, area and developed a fan-base that eventually landed him on some of the biggest stages in the business, opening for some of the nation’s hottest stars…”
To make the event happen, Cottongim and members of the Shelby County Parks Foundation are looking for sponsors who will receive recognition at the event and on marketing materials… as well as passes to Shelby Trails Park. Individuals are also encouraged to make plans to attend with tickets costing $75 or a table of eight for $600.
Cottongim emphasized that all donations are tax-deductible since the Shelby County Parks Foundation has charitable status. For more information, contact Cottongim 502-437-5244 or 502-321-0612.
He said, “Thank you for being part of the commitment to make a rich, quality of life experienced through healthy, active, engaged neighborhoods… and the lasting legacy you will leave for Shelby County. See you on the Trails!”
Shelby County Parks Foundation 