Ohio County Park Project named 2020 GRADD Community of the Year

The Green River Area Development District recently announced the Ohio County Park Project as the 2020 GRADD Community of the Year.

Due to COVID-19, GRADD canceled its annual dinner, but announced the recipients in a press release last week. Ohio County Park and three individuals who have shown outstanding achievements and contributions that benefit the regional community and add to the quality of life were recognized.

“The GRADD Regional Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding achievements within our seven counties that highlight efforts to enhance quality of life as well as a dedication to public service. This year’s recipients reflect an exceptional commitment to their communities and an eagerness to help others. I am extremely proud to announce the 2020 winners. Each has made a tremendous impact in improving the health, safety and well-being of residents in our region,” said Ohio County Judge-Executive David Johnston, GRADD Board of Directors Chairman.

The Ohio County Park Project has been named the 2020 GRADD Community of the Year. For years, Ohio County Park has served as the primary home for recreation in the community. Contained within its 500 acres are amenities such as camping facilities, trails, playgrounds, golf and disc golf courses, a driving range and volleyball and basketball courts. Ohio County Fiscal Court has taken on the challenge of updating and improving the park – adding new facilities, such as a veteran’s memorial area and a dog park, and renovating older ones, such as refurbishing the park building and resurfacing and remodeling the basketball courts. As the park has grown, the county has sought to use it to improve residents’ physical and mental health by adding nature trails and outdoor exercise areas. And because Ohio County is committed to ensuring the park’s benefits are available to all, a vast majority of these services are provided free of charge. But the work isn’t done. County leaders continue exploring ways to add to and improve the unused or underdeveloped areas in the park. Future improvements include plans to add lighting to the already existing three-mile walking trail. Often, recreational projects take a back seat to more pressing civic concerns. While managing its civic concerns such as streets and sewer and police protection which are vital to a community, Ohio County realizes that having a place to appreciate nature and enjoy time with family and friends – especially as we grapple with a global pandemic – make the difference between simply existing and truly living.

Individuals recognized were Clay Horton, Jeremy Moore and Steve Gold.

Horton, Green River District Health Department Public Health Director, was the recipient of the 2020 Charles Reid Regional Citizenship Award for his calm, common-sense approach to providing information and support to protect the lives of everyone in the Green River region throughout the pandemic.

Moore received the Texal Brooks Regional Leadership Award for his dedication to the safety and well-being of the GRADD community. His devoted efforts with the Hazard Mitigation Council assisted in the formation of the GRADD Hazard Mitigation Plan as a comprehensive strategic tool for preventing and responding to a wide-range of regional disasters and emergencies. The thoroughness of this plan, which he helped create, made GRADD communities eligible for critical funding from FEMA.

Gold’s commitment to the people of Henderson County and beyond earned him the Wendell H. Ford Legislative Leadership Award. His has continuously improved the lives of the residents of Henderson County and beyond since 2008 when elected as the county’s first full-time attorney. He has been a strong advocate for families and youth through his work on the Kentucky Child Support Guidelines Review Commission and the Kentucky Juvenile Oversight Council. He is a founding member and ongoing board member of the Henderson Boys and Girls Club.