on Park, you've come a long way baby. We have a long relationship that dates back to my childhood when we lived just a few blocks away from it and would ride our bikes down there on most nice Saturdays.

At that time, the "playground" was spread out all over the park. You had the monkey bars, the witch's hat way over there; those springy animal rides that bounced back and forth up by the main picnic shelter; and tornado and accompanying slides somewhere in the middle. And, of course, the swingsets were scattered about.

A LEGION PARK ADDITION WITH A 'SUNNY' DISPOSITION

Today, the consolidated Legion Park playground has everything in one place and, as of Thursday, features a bench that is solar-powered.

Dave Spencer/Townsquare Media
Dave Spencer/Townsquare Media
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From Owensboro Parks and Recreation:

"Thank you Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline for donating the solar bench to the City of Owensboro’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The solar bench is located by the playground at Legion Park. It can be used to charge smart devices, cell phones, and tablets while supervising your child on the playground. The bench is designed to withstand weather conditions and is an innovative solution functioning on clean solar energy. Featuring 2 dual 3.0 rapid-charge ports, the bench is capable of charging 5 devices simultaneously. This is the first solar bench of its’ type in OBKY."

 

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Dave Spencer/Townsquare Media
Dave Spencer/Townsquare Media
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SOLAR BENCHES ARE NEW TO OWENSBORO, BUT NOT EXACTLY 'NEW'

While it IS the first solar bench in Owensboro, it's certainly not the first solar bench in use at parks around the country and the world. Check out these solar walkways and pieces of solar-powered "street furniture." (By the way, I totally DIG the "street furniture.")

SOLAR BENCHES COME IN ALL VARIETIES

It appears as if there are as many varieties and designs of solar benches as there are convenience store card readers. (I've come to the conclusion that no two of THOSE are alike.) I did a search and came up with a LOT of different benches.

And according to News25/WEHT, in the future, we can expect to see more solar-powered benches at other city parks and areas where you typically see benches.

So when you're enjoying Legion Park this summer, you can also "power up" while the kids play.

What Owensboroans Want to See Happen in Owensboro in 2022

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride, as the saying goes. But there's also a saying my mother used a lot--"Put feet to your prayers." So let's see if those two old adages can come together and make any of these suggestions happen over the next 11-plus months.

Vintage Photos from Trail-A-Way Lake in Owensboro

Do you remember Trail-A-Way? Here are some classic photos from the lake, which rested just outside Owensboro off Hwy 405 near Maceo, Kentucky.

The Owensboro Landmark Hall of Fame

I call this my PERSONAL Owensboro landmark hall of fame because these buildings or locations have meant a great deal to me over the years, for a variety of reasons. To be completely honest, some are on this list NOT because of what they are now. Take a look...

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