Cherokee Park, a hidden jewel

Park committee
seeking photos,
memorabilia from
Cherokee Park

By Misti Drew
Tribune-Courier Reporter
mdrew@tribunecourier.com

HARDIN – Driving down the long and winding entrance of Cherokee Park, the woodline feels as if it comes alive with history.

Poised alongside the beautiful wooded lakeside acres of Kenlake Park, Cherokee once boasted all the amenities of a first class resort.

In addition to being a top tourist attraction, Cherokee was also, in its day, the only black, segregated park in Kentucky’s State Park system.

According to a study completed by the University of Kentucky, a Paducah Congressman named Henry Ward passed legislation in 1942 that segregated urban park systems in the state’s five largest cities.

The law mandated that “all public parks established and maintained for the recreation, pleasure and welfare of the colored population, shall be held, managed and controlled by a colored park board of commissioners of the city where the park was located.”

Ward’s was the first legislation introduced under segregation that gave power to black communities to organize and develop their own recreational programs.

Cherokee Park opened its doors in 1951.

The 400-plus acre park boasted an inviting beach, boat house, 12 cottages, a restaurant and a full-time staff of more than 15 people.

The park operated until the late 1950’s amidst de-segregation movements.

All but two of the park’s cottages were taken in by Kenlake Resort.

The park fell into disrepair and was not utilized again until the late 1990’s when the Murray State Rowing team, along with the Marshall County Fiscal Court, negotiated a lease option on the property from the state.

Marshall County Judge-Executive Mike Miller said, “Cherokee had basically been reduced to a dumping ground after all of those years.”

Miller said the county’s special projects crew was sent in to polish the “jewel” believed to be hidden beneath the rubbish.

“We spent weeks down there cleaning,” Miller said. “There were stoves, couches, all kinds of appliances and trash strewn everywhere. The patio area was under about five feet of mud,” he added.

MSU used the facility as a storage area for their boating equipment, but no further plans for renovations were in place at the time.

However, a few years later, talk of fully restoring the historical site began, prompting a citizen committee to form.

Since that time, board members have been able to obtain a historical site classification for the park, which makes state funding available for the park’s renovation.

The state is currently preparing to submit for bids on the dining hall restoration project, which is expected to be completed by November.

Further building restorations, including that of the former manager’s cottage and the last two existing guest cottages are anticipated, as well.

Of the county’s interest in the project, Miller said, “Marshall County has always had a reputation of being ‘unfriendly’ to people of color. We would like to see that change.

“We would at some point like to host a homecoming at the park, possibly sometime during the Hot August Blues Festival time period.”

Miller said he considers the park to be an excellent teaching opportunity for children, as well, not only concerning the issues African Americans faced during times of segregation, but also how segregation affected local Caucasian children.

“I remember going to Kenlake as a kid and knowing that we were to stay in our park and that the blacks were to stay in their park, which was Cherokee. That’s a history many people don’t even realize existed right here in the county.”

The Cherokee Park Historical Site committee is currently in the process of applying for a 501-C3 non-profit status.

The board is working to raise the necessary funds to complete the initial process before seeking to begin further restoration at the park.

Miller said he is hopeful the park will one day serve as a tourist attraction, containing a museum filled with photos, memorabilia and remembrances of the rich history found in the past of Cherokee Park.

The county is currently seeking photos and any type of historical documents relating to Cherokee Park.

If you have any items you would like to contribute to the restoration project, or if you would like to make a donation, contact the office of the county judge-executive at 527-4750.

Donations can also be made at the Aurora branch of CFSB.