Gov. Beshear attends groundbreaking for new city park and pool in Dawson Springs

DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. (WFIE) - In Dawson Springs, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joined local leaders for a groundbreaking at the city park.

As we’ve previously reported, it’s been over four years since the December 10 tornado hit Dawson Springs, wiping out their park in the center of town.

City leaders say they have received funding to start rebuilding the area.

They celebrated construction on the new playground and pool at the groundbreaking.

Phase One of rebuilding is already complete with new barbecue pavilions, picnic tables and benches.

City officials say they plan to finish the area with nearly $2 million in FEMA funding and additional funding from the governor.

They say they’re accepting donations to buy bleachers and more trash cans.

Governor Beshear says he has visited the area his whole life and is excited to see it be revitalized.

“I’ve driven by this park my whole life,” says Governor Beshear. “You come in to Dawson Springs, I drive by my grandparents are buried in the cemetery, you drive by this park and then you make your way into downtown and their house wasn’t far from it. I knew every block of this town and when I was here right after the tornados you couldn’t recognize any of it.”

City officials say the new park will serve as a communal location for everyone in Dawson Springs.

“It’s a place where our children learn to play baseball, basketball, tennis,” says says Dawson Springs Mayor, Jenny Sewell. “It’s a place where our families meet and have their parties, have their family reunions.”

“It’s just a fabulous place,” Sewell said. “It is a treasure that every family here absolutely loves.

Others say this will bring the community together again.

“They see something that they can work on,” says Charlie Beshears, magistrate of Hopkins County. “They know that they can help. They’re willing to give their time and their money in order to see Dawson prosper.

He says he wants to this is going to ensure the children of Dawson Springs has the same upbringing his family had.

“I hope the people of Dawson Springs know that we love them. Their Governor isn’t going anywhere, the commonwealth isn’t going anywhere, and we’re gonna get the job done,” Beshear said.

Officials say they expect construction to be complete by 2027, but some components may be complete by this year.