July is a wonderful time of the year. Especially here in small town USA. And especially when your town has something new to show off that will make the community even better.
On July 1st, 2022, We were able to be at the grand opening of the Springs Park Pavilion on downtown La Grange, Kentucky. Spring Park sits just beside the famous stretch of railroad track that runs smack dab through the middle of La, Grange. One of only a couple places in the United States where a train runs right down the Main Street of a town, this park was formerly the site of La Granges very own skate park. In removing the old skate park, with plans to relocate it elsewhere in the city in the near future, La Grange is upping its space for large town events. The pavilion has plenty of room to seat hundreds of park goers for all kinds of events. From bands, to meeting space, or just a great place to sit to eat on a hot day, covered vendor space for the local weekly farmers market, this space really increases the usability of the downtown area.
On grand opening day we were able to shop with dozens of local vendors and artisans, and sample the foods of local farmers and craft food makers. This is one of the reasons we wanted to move back to Kentucky to begin with. There was fresh produce, locally raised meats, candles and soaps, home crafted homewards and finely created jewelry, puppets and toys for the kids, and numerous other items. This kick off was great with a local band playing great American music, and a lively crowd. The opening ceremony was kicked off by Mayor John Black of La Grange.
Adjacent to the space used as the pavilion is Springs Park. This park at the time of grand opening had a splash pad for kids to play in that was already opened for kids. 
The playground equipment is yet to be finished being installed, but looks to offer some fun climbing and playground equipment style, quite appropriately, like a giant locomotive.
With a historical beautiful little town like La Grange, where the streets are lined with restaurants and small shops filled with locally made and sourced products, Springs Park is the perfect addition to the downtown area. Just diagonally from the park, the historic courthouse has been in process of a major renovation, including moving the original section some 50-100 feet or so. One street over is La Grange City Place; a venue for events like proms, voting, candy making during Christmas time, and a host of other uses.
It is really great to be able to see a small town, with a rich history, to remain focused on keeping a small town feel while a the the same time being able to make improvements, and updating the area so that it has the amenities the residents want and need, while being able to attract a great base for tourism. This promotes the ability for small businesses, local craftsmen and women, farmers and artists to be a unique part of their community.
Springs Park and Pavilion are an amazing addition to the community of La Grange. With its multi-use features it will allow for La Grange to continue to host such amazing community events.
Some of These events are the Quads & Rods Custom Car Shows between April and September, Trackside Tunes June-September, La Grange Artsfest 1st Saturday in June, Oldham County Day on the 3rd Saturday in July, The AlleyLoop Festival on the 2nd Saturday in October and Light up La Grange the 1st Saturdayin December.
Springs Park Pavilion really will be an all year round place for the community of La Grange to get together and draw in visitors from around the world.
