HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A non-profit organization in Christian County is gathering donations to help fund the continued renovation of Hopkinsville’s Gander Memorial Park. Work is already underway at the memorial site, which commemorates the 248 soldiers and crew members of the 101st Airborne Division who died in a crash of Arrow Air Flight 1285 in Gander, Newfoundland in 1985.

Comprised of 16 acres off of 41-A and Interstate 169, the memorial park currently features a paved walking trail, benches, and a tall Peacekeeper monument, sculpted by a local artist. There are stone markers by the statue that display the names of those who died. According to non-profit Dad’s House Inc., the project has the goal of restoring and enhancing the physical structure of the memorial, improving the accessibility and landscaping, and installing educational historical elements.

“This work is being done in close collaboration with the Military Affairs Committee and the City of Hopkinsville, ensuring a unified and community-driven effort,” said Jackie Ross with Dad’s House Inc. She said their organization is contributing to the project and is actively raising fund to support and expand its progress. While the city was involved in the initial stages of demolition and early project coordination, the ongoing efforts are being driven by private fundraising.

Community contributions, non-profit history

So far, several organizations and businesses have contributed to the renovation through material donations, services, and monetary support. This includes Atmos Energy, B3 Electric, Fortera Credit Union, Bastin Optometric Clinic, Bluegrass Plumbing, City of Hopkinsville, ARI Inc., Summertown Metals, Warren Trucking, Rogers Group, Meuth Concrete, and Shannon and Kitt Lane.

“Our goal is to raise as much funding as possible, not only to complete the renovations but also to ensure long-term maintenance and care of the monument and surrounding park,” said Ross. “Honoring and preserving this monument is not only about remembering those we lost, but also about recognizing the continued service and sacrifice of our military families.”

Isaiah Pride is the founder of Dad’s House Inc. in Hopkinsville, which has the mission to provide vocational education, business development, and community support to individuals between the ages of 18-21. They are particularly focused on those who have faced adversity, supplying them the tools to reduce recidivism and excel by teaching hands on vocational skills in industries like concrete restoration and plastering. They previously held a Paint and Skate event in Hopkinsville, inviting the community to paint a mural at the skate park.

Individuals, organizations, and businesses who are looking to donate can do so the Dad’s House Inc. website.

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