Eight years in the making, Cochran breaks ground on new community park

The City of Cochran held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new community park last week. City and county officials, members of the park committee, contractors and community members gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction following eight years of community advocacy and planning. 

The idea for the park began in a third-grade classroom, the city said. Kim Fernandez’s students wrote letters and advocated to local and state officials for a community park. In fourth grade, a group of the students presented their idea to city council, and one student even went to the state capitol to pitch the idea to Senator Larry Walker.  

Now, those students are finishing their first year of college. They will be honored as the first “kids” to enter the completed park. 

In 2021, Earl Arnold donated 5.2 acres of land to the city for the creation of the park. He passed away about a year ago. 

“Words do not express the feeling and gratitude I’m feeling,” Daniel Arnold posted on Facebook after the groundbreaking. “I only wish (my) grandfather Earl Arnold was still here to enjoy this… His dream was to expand Cochran and build a stronger thriving community.”

After several grants and other funding — including American Rescue Plan Act funds — the city received a total of $1,447,000. 

The park concept includes playground equipment, a “tot lot,” ground cover for the play area, restrooms, a small pavilion with picnic tables, a walking trail, benches, a drinking fountain and more, according to a council meeting earlier this year. The park is located at 312 Ash Street, near Jaycee Barn.

Mayor Billy Yeomans and other city leaders emphasized the importance of young voices and grassroots efforts, demonstrating the power of community organizing. 

Construction is expected to be complete by Oct. 1.