Residents want park named after King

Callie Robinson, long-time Martin Luther King Jr. Street resident, speaks her piece about South Street Park as Jeff Howell, city manager, takes notes. The city intends to make some changes at the five-acre park to increase its usefulness to the community is was built to serve.

Kilgore residents who attended a special city council meeting Saturday agreed that South Street Park should be renamed in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park was the name chosen Saturday.

Approximately 25 residents and various city employees turned out for the meeting at Martin Luther King Street community building. The meeting was intended to give city council direction for changes, renovations and additions to the park neighboring State Highway 31, on Martin Luther King Jr. Street.

Residents would like to see restrooms, playground and picnic area improved. Other requests included lighting, security, and demolition of an unsightly concrete pumping jack foundation and an abandoned care-takers building.

City council has proposed the addition of a lighted walking trail, an expanded one-way-in one-way-out parking lot and possibly a spray park.

While residents liked the idea of a spray park, they were more excited about the possibility of a lighted walking trail. Many agreed that the spray pad is a great idea, but would only be useful a few months out of the year, where a walking trail could be used year round.

Residents said the park's rusted playground equipment is dated and dangerous and the area is often flodded or muddy following rain.

Council agreed the play area is too low on the property and that the area should be built up.

Mike Green, director of community services, said he has already purchased playground equipment to update the park, but the equipment has been sitting unused in the city yard for nearly two years.

Residents also said criminal activity, such as drug dealing, gambling and consumption of alcoholic beverages, hinders their enjoyment of the park.

"I have lived here a long time and I see what goes on in this park," Callie Robinson, who has lived next door to the park for more than 40 years, said. "I want to see the park used by children again, to play and grow."

Franesta Geter, another resident, said although she cannot see it she hears the criminal activity in the park when she is outside of her home at night.

"I think you are all aware of the drug problem we have over here. We need lighting."

Council also expressed interest in taking back the community building from Gregg County's ownership. The city deeded the building to the county in the 1990s. Residents and council members agreed that the building would be best maintained and managed under Kilgore's ownership.

Other items discussed include signage and posting of park regulations, skateboard fixtures, new fencing and more police presence.

Council is expected to vote on changes at a future meeting.

The next meeting of Kilgore City Council is 5:30 p.m. tonight at Kilgore City Hall in Council Chambers.