TOWN ANNOUNCES NO BOUNDARIES, ALL INCLUSIVE PARK
The property is comprised of approximately 3 acres, an 18,000 sq. ft. building, and 700 feet of riverfront adjacent to the Powell River.
The subject property is a strip shopping center building located on a three-acre tract of land. The property is one building which was recently vacated in preparation for the transfer to the town of Pennington Gap. The property was originally built as a grocery store with an attached variety store by Caswell Walker and operated by the same owner. The property was subsequently the location of a Payless Grocery Store and now the property has been renovated into a strip shopping center. The property most recently was used as a four-unit commercial center.
Last year, Pennington Gap town manager, Keith Harless, approached the property owners of the old Payless property about the future of the building to determine if they had any upcoming plans for the property. After a considerable amount of discussions, Mr. Harless proposed an idea for the property owners to donate the property to the town in order to develop a new, innovative type of park- a park that is designed to include everyone. This park will not only include standardized park equipment, but the park will also include equipment that will accommodate everyone, including children with special needs. The new park will contain a strategic mix of playground equipment and activities supporting play for all ages and abilities. This park is designed for all children, especially for those with different needs such as autism and barrier challenges. The park will also have an area set aside for fitness support for the actively aging society.
The estimated cost at this time to include an all-new playground, new bathrooms, a pavilion along the riverfront, and overlooks of the river designed for fishing, are estimated to be around $800,000.00. At this time the town has not appropriated any money but discussions have begun with private investors and many grant agencies.