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The best way to find out what people want is to ask them.
When the Town of Kilmarnock polled the community asking what they’d like to see in a planned town park, their responses determined the shape and scope of Town Centre Park, just off Main Street and set to open July 8.
Encompassing nine acres, the thoughtfully-laid out plan will appeal to locals and visitors alike with a Pavilion, a central plaza, an outdoor amphitheater dubbed the Half Shell Stage to honor the role oysters have played in the region’s economic history, a town green where play field and picnic areas are located and visitors can spread a blanket and picnic, the child-centric Waterworks where jets of water cool off young visitors, a playground called River Play and Scottie’s Yard, a dog park with a view. An abundance of native plants and trees will be planted to create an inviting and lush green space around those features.
“The park is an investment in a quality set of facilities that can drive wonderful programming by the town itself and community organizations,” says Mayor Mae Umphlett. The Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce has already jumped on board creating the park’s first festival, the Rhythm and Brews Fest on July 22, while the town is planning its own regularly-scheduled programming of movies, music and farmers’ markets.
The Town of Kilmarnock is banking on the park creating reasons for people to visit, whether for play time at the Waterworks, a planned local farmers’ market or for larger events such as family reunions, revivals or music shows. Local businesses will benefit because park visitors will likely avail themselves of nearby amenities and services, from gas to groceries to restaurants.
“Green spaces improve our residents’ quality of life,” Deputy Town Manager Susan Cockrell emphasizes. “But also, creating places for play and fun makes all the difference is how the community sees itself. This is a park for everyone in our community and our community is anyone who visits the park.”
A full schedule for the Half Shell Stage will be announced in June, but Cockrell says the intent is to program family-friendly films and music of many genres, specifically programming that includes what the community wants to see and hear. Some shows will be free and others will cost, with the town looking for opportunities to partner with local businesses to sponsor events. They also plan to create some events that benefit local nonprofit agencies, such as a can of food for the Northern Neck Food Bank instead of a paid admission charge.
Despite a population of only 1400, Kilmarnock has long been the economic hub of the region and Town Centre Park will not only provide another stellar draw but improve the quality of life in the region.
“Our elected officials are a very progressive, forward-thinking group of people and they’re envisioning Kilmarnock for the long term,” Cockrell says. “They deserve credit for thinking beyond this year and the next. It’s going to be a game changer for us and the region.”
To keep up with grand opening festivities and future events, go to their Facebook page Kilmarnock Town Centre Park or kilmarnockva.com/kilmarnock-town-park and virginiasriverrealm.com