Economy Inn property to be new home of Corbin splash pad

Plans for the proposed splash pad in Corbin must be amended as the location is changing from North Main Street to South Main Street.

At the regular meeting of the Corbin City Commission Monday night, Corbin Tourism Director Maggy Kriebel announced that the majority of the property currently occupied by the Economy Inn at 804 South Main Street is being donated for the project.

“The owner of the Economy loves Corbin so much and wants to do something great for the city,” Kriebel said noting the donor wishes to remain anonymous.

The property, with the exception of a small area adjoining the Corbin Laundromat, will be deeded to the city, giving the city approximately 12,000 square feet for the splash pad, parking and green space.

The motel will then be demolished to make way for the splash pad.

“We have one estimate on the demolition. We will also be looking at the possibility of our public works guys doing the work,” said City Manager Marlon Sams.

Kriebel said the project will remain essentially the same as what was planned for the North Main Street location.

The commissioners approved the plan for the project in February.

Kriebel explained that the splash pad would feature several Corbin fixtures including trains and KFC.

Replica KFC chicken buckets would be the basis for the water dumping feature.

The design pays tribute to Corbin’s history with the railroad, featuring a model steam engine and railroad crossing signs that spray water.

When the splash pad was to be built on North Main Street, Kriebel said it was to be surrounded by a brick wall and fencing similar to what surrounds Sanders Park.

State law requires the construction of changing rooms/bathrooms on site.

Kriebel said they would be constructed to act as a gate.

Kriebel said the green space would include picnic tables.

Kriebel said the timeframe to complete the project will be depend on multiple factors, but anticipates that it would be either the fall of 2019, or spring 2020 before the splash pad opens.

“That is amazing,” said Mayor Suzie Razmus of the donation.

“This is such a generous offer and we expect there to be a lot of children on his property that he is donating. I hope it gives him a lot of joy. I know it will for our community members,” she said.

In other business at Monday’s meeting:

• Mayor Suzie Razmus signed a proclamation declaring the week of March 18 as, “Corbin High School and Middle School All-State Band and Choir Week.

The band and choir members were on hand to witness the signing of the proclamation.

• Mayor Razmus also signed a proclamation declaring Corbin a Green Dot Community.

Green Dot is violence prevention strategy focusing on domestic violence, dating violence and sexual assault.

“All of these things that create problems in our community,” said Dana Proffit-Brown with Cumberland River Behavioral Health.

Brown said it is very likely that everyone knows someone, whether it is a family member, friend, or co-worker who is the victim of such violence.

“We want to provide a community that lets them know that they are safe, and that there are resources available to help them,” Brown said.

Williamsburg and Maysville are the only two cities in Kentucky that have declared themselves to be Green Dot Communities.

Brown said the community can help spread the word by inviting Green Dot representatives to speak to local businesses, churches, clubs and community organizations.

“Anyplace where you have a connection with people. It doesn’t have to be a large group,” Brown said.

For more information contact Cecelia White, 528-5286.

• Announced the 2019 #keepcorbinclean Challenge to be held in April.

As part of the effort, a community wide cleanup will be held 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.

Volunteers will meet at Sanders Park before dispersing throughout the city to pick up litter.

Trash bags will be provided.

During the month of April, any Corbin residents picking up litter are encouraged to take a picture and post it on social media with the hash tag #keepcorbinclean.