HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A proposal was presented to the Hopkinsville Committee of the Whole, recommending that the historic Westside Park downtown is renamed to Judge John Atkins Westside Park. State Representative Myron Dossett and a local historian spoke in favor of this change, sharing the impact of Atkins on this area of the city.
Atkins is a Hopkinsville native who attended the former Westside Elementary School and graduated from Hopkinsville High School. Professionally, he served as the assistant commonwealth’s attorney from 1981 through 1995 and has been serving as a circuit judge in Hopkinsville since 2000. Throughout his life he has continually invested in his community through volunteer service and civic engagement, according to a proposal presented to the Hopkinsville Committee of the Whole by Councilmember Brittanie Bogard.
Westside Park is located on West Ninth Street in downtown Hopkinsville, with a recently upgraded playground, basketball court, picnic tables, and a connection to the Hopkinsville Greenway with a pedestrian bridge. The architecture of the pavilion and the recognizable arch at the entrance to the park add to the iconic landscape of downtown.
This proposal comes not long after the city renamed Second Street Park to Fred Atkins Park. Fred Atkins was a longtime councilmember who is of no relation to John Atkins.
Dossett, historian speak in favor of change
Representative Dossett addressed the councilmembers at the meeting, speaking in favor of the renaming of Westside Park to Judge John Atkins Park. He said, “It’s about caring for our community and recognizing a gentleman who has done just that.”
He spoke about Atkins passion for this Hopkinsville neighborhood, and how it is important to honor where you are from. Shirley Nance, a local historian who grew up in the westside area, talked about the importance of the park, and memories that have been fostered there over the years. She said the trail created behind the park allows youth to safely walk to the library, and several professional basketball players got their start playing on the court there.
“Westside Park means a lot to us, and to have it named after someone so instrumental and important to us on the westside, I think that would be an honor,” said Nance, adding that people should receive their flowers why they can still smell them.
Westside Park was deeded to the city in 1909 by William Wilgus, as marked on the stone arch. The proposal suggests that renaming the park will increase awareness of an important public asset.
“For more than a century, the park has served as a gathering place for recreation, fellowship, and neighborhood unity,” said the proposal. “Today, however, the park lacks adequate signage and visibility. Many residents and visitors are unaware of its location, and its limited presence on digital mapping platforms reduces accessibility and public awareness.”
After the proposal was reviewed and speakers presented at the Oct. 27 committee of the whole meeting, present councilmembers enthusiastically approved the renaming unanimously. It will not move to the next Hopkinsville City Council meeting for final approval.
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