Jack Gabbard Park Renovation Project Ribbon Cutting 2024

 A large group joined McKee Mayor Michael Stidham, representatives from the Jackson County Community Foundation, and the Jackson County Creative Community last Thursday (November 07, 2024) along Hwy 290, just above the old McKee Gymnasium, to ceremoniously cut a ribbon and celebrate the renovation of Jack Gabbard Park. The park was initially known as McKee City Park but was renamed in honor of Jack Gabbard, who dedicated many years to the City of McKee and our entire community. Jack graduated as Salutatorian in the 1950 McKee High School class. He played high school basketball and softball. He loved the KY Wildcats and Cincinnati Reds. He married Nell Moore Gabbard, and they had two children - Keith and Larry Gabbard. Jack Gabbard's resume reflects deep involvement and commitment to others. Gabbard was a member of the McKee City Council from 1972-1978. He served as the Mayor of McKee from 1984-1996. Mr. Gabbard was a Jackson County Development Association charter member and a long-time Jackson County Kiwanis Club member. He helped with the design and construction of McCammon Ridge Road, which facilitated the development of the Rocky Hill Heights Apartments and the business/government presence. He was a driving force behind securing Mid-South Electronics, which provided significant employment for many Jackson County residents until a devastating fire in 2005 ended the operation. He worked alongside Representative Marie Rader and was instrumental in successfully constructing three dams located in McKee for flood control. Mr. Gabbard served as a Daniel Boone Development member, a Cumberland Valley ADD Board member, a Jackson County Empowerment Zone member, and was Chairman of the Board when the new White House Clinic building was built. The McKee City Park was renamed Jack Gabbard Park in his honor after he passed away in 1998. 
The Jack Gabbard Renovation Project repaired, restored, and improved the park, adding a new multipurpose court for tennis, pickleball, and volleyball with new lights and a new surrounding fence. The walk path was restored and graveled. New bridges serving as creek crossings were built, and drainage features were installed to prevent erosion and washout. 
The project was facilitated by a $10,000 Grant from the Jackson County Community Foundation for resurfacing the court. A $5,000 Grant from the Foundation for Rural Services was provided for the top coating of the court, the court lines, and the purchase of new grills. The City of McKee repaired the restrooms, while the Jackson County Creative Community painted the exterior walls with interactive murals. The Jackson County Development Association helped with grant writing and administration. The People's Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) donated the labor and fence repair for the court, built new creek crossings, and repaired the walking trail. They also installed the latest grills, built new picnic tables, and helped with other improvements at the park. In addition, help was provided by the Jackson County Detention Center Inmates and many other volunteers. As one can see, many people were involved in renovating this park. However, Jack Gabbard would say, "The greatest achievements are those that benefit others." 
While Jack would have probably taken great pride in this park being named in his honor, his greatest accomplishment was humbly serving our community with a heart to help others succeed in the place he called home.