Director Gene Straney
Even though District 2 covers an area that is bustling with residential and commercial development, in the heart of that activity you’ll find some of the most peaceful natural beauty in Hardin County.
Across Ring Road from Elizabethtown’s Freeman Lake Park is the Elizabethtown Nature Park. Almost hidden in this well-traveled part of the city, it provides residents and visitors easy access to a quiet space to get away.
The Nature Park is home to miles of trails and gathering spaces spread over 104 acres. The park opened to the public in November of 2012 and its trails connect to the Freeman Lake Park trail system through a tunnel that goes under Ring Road.
The Hardin County Veteran’s Tribute was original to the design of the park. It is a stone and bronze structure that honors the five branches of the military and civil service. Another original structure is a pavilion that has picnic tables and restrooms for families and park visitors to use during their visit.
In 2018, a 360-foot long, 80% scale replica of the Vietnam Veteran’s wall in Washington, DC was completed in the Nature Park. Surrounding the Memorial Wall are tributes to POW and MIA, Kentuckians who died or remain missing and one that is dedicated to the canines that served during Vietnam.
This beautiful space in District 2 is something we should all be proud of. It provides not only a place to enjoy nature, but also honor the veterans who have served and died for our country.
