Former Russellville Mayor Ken Smith attended the Tuesday, Jan. 8 Russellville City Council meeting requesting the city place a sign at the entrance of Hampton Park, located in the eastern part of town.

“Even though I am no longer a resident of the city now, I was a citizen here for 67 years. I have property here and own a business. Russellville will always be my hometown,” said Smith, who feels there is an increase in usage at the park, however, he doesn’t think it is adequately presented to help people find it.

The former mayor said when he served on the council years ago, voting to put up signage at some of the city’s cemeteries was very helpful.

“In 1975 when I was on the city council, there was no indicator where Maple Grove or Greenwood Cemeteries were. This was one of the first things accomplished and it helped a great deal,” said Smith.

Smith says Hampton is a “delightful” park and it is used a great deal during the summer.

“I expect there’s more use of this park than the city/county park,” Smith said.

Smith noted that there are a lot of tournaments held at the park and a lot of activities that go on there. He stated that at the service station and different places like Colonel Inn, they have people stopping by all the time from the park. he said he got people also asking where it was.

There is already one small sign that is approximately 18 inches x 30 inches located on Edwards Street between Sixth and Seventh Streets, but Smith says very few people get to the park that way.

“I would like the council and mayor to consider placing an appropriate large lettered sign on the property the city owns that goes into Seventh Street and comes back around into the park,” said Smith, adding the city’s attorney may need to check into that but he believes the city owns that property.

Another sign Smith would like considered is one that is already up on Hwy. 431 north directing people to the new park. He said if the city could place an arrow noting the park’s location it would be b0th appropriate and beneficial.

A large sign towards the entrance of the park from the Bowling Green area would also be helpful as well, because many people, said Smith, come from that side of town to got to the park. “These are some of the first places they see in the eastern end of town,” Smith added.

Smith told the council he appreciated their time and her certainly appreciated their efforts and congratulated them on the job they were doing for the city.

“You’re really blessed for having the Christian leadership you have in this city, God bless you all and thank you,” said Smith.

Mayor Mark Stratton was absent from the meeting, and mayor pro-tem Sandra Kinser thought it appropriate to wait until Stratton returned to discuss Smith’s request. The council agreed.