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7/18/2021

Glorious Respite

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PictureFlowers hover above a cloud of green at the Walter Bradley Park in Midway, Ky. Photos by Rick Showalter.
I live in the fastest growing county in Kentucky. It seems that everywhere I go I come face-to-face with this reality: farmland bulldozed for a new subdivision, woodlands daylighted without a thought of what has been sacrificed, trees pushed into hulking piles of smoking debris, traffic and impatient drivers clogging the roadways, new interstate exits and newly built intersections designed to handle today’s volume of cars. New schools, new businesses, and a new bypass to get around it all. And let’s not forget a controversial dump still accepting garbage way beyond its approved capacity.

This morning, however, we took a road trip a few miles southwest to Woodford County, where the tiny town of Midway is trying desperately to manage its own growth. It has been called “Kentucky’s Mayberry,” and as little as ten years ago it was a quaint little hamlet of historic homes and a bustling main street that attracted visitors to its special collection of unique restaurants and art shops. In recent years, however, industry has come to the area near the interstate, along with fast food franchises and convenience stores. It’s a disheartening trend that I expect is nearly inescapable for every community that had been temporarily left behind by the ravages of what many call progress.

But just off Midway’s historic downtown Railroad Street, the town has established the remarkable Walter Bradley Park, named for a town native and World War II Army veteran who, in 1977, became the first African American on the Midway City Council. He served the community in that capacity for 24 years. I had been on the periphery of this 28-acre park many times for events, mostly races where I was more focused on making it to the start line on time and finding the finish line while still breathing. This morning we could wander the grounds and its four miles of walking trails at our leisure. 

Unlike many city parks, this is not simply a mowed area with a few signs and perhaps a walking path. Some visionary arborists and gardeners have created a verdant sanctuary that delights all the senses. On an unusually cool summer morning, the butterfly gardens were bursting with color. A wide variety of native trees—some old, many recently planted—welcomed us, already offering shade and guaranteeing a cool summer retreat in the years to come. Gravel paths wend among the gardens, around Sara Porter’s Seed Farm shed, across wooden footbridges, past an old spring, circling near horses grazing in the nearby meadows, and winding up to the public pavilions behind the elementary school. 

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Lucy and I walk along one of the paths.
As I stepped into the long arbor facing one of the many wildflower gardens, I felt as if I had stepped back into another century. Time slowed. Natural beauty again felt revered. I could imagine spending a full afternoon seated on the benches watching the birds and butterflies while engaged in idle conversation. Would I be twirling a parasol?

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The good people of Midway have always seemed to understand the importance of their community’s history and have managed to preserve its rare qualities. This battle will intensify over the next few years. But they have committed to nurturing an oasis in their midst. Bravo. Central Kentuckians now have yet one more reason to visit.

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9 Comments
Dudley Hanks
7/18/2021 06:49:26 pm

Sallie, I have lived in Woodford Co for 24 years now and have been to Midway many times. However, Bettye and I have never veered off the beaten path to explore this park. Shame on us. We will now.

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Barbara R Fallis
7/18/2021 08:01:35 pm

Rick's photo captured the message of your blog perfectly. I've always found Cosmos to be so airy and happy. You two are a great "blog" team.

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Alice Showalter
7/18/2021 09:14:48 pm

A beautiful new place to explore. Thank you!

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Rogers Barde
7/19/2021 08:40:49 am

Lovely! I will go visit. Another good reason to go to Midway. Thank you for the pictures too.

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HANNAH J HELM
7/19/2021 09:36:31 am

Thanks for putting this on my radar. I was aware it existed, but didnt realize the extent of the trails. I am also delighted to see Sara Porter memorialized. I played bridge with her for several years and she was an interesting woman. I was sad when she passed of cancer too soon. I lived in Midway for almost 10 yrs, but moved away just prior to the revitalization. I love that 20yrs later it has still retained its charm and small town feel. I will definitely check out the park and enjoy a fine meal afterwards.

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Elizabeth Eklund
7/19/2021 11:36:48 am

What a beautiful day for a walk in the park. Thanks!

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myra goodlett
7/19/2021 02:46:39 pm

Thanks Sallie, I so needed some uplifting news.

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Tessa Hoggard
7/19/2021 05:05:35 pm

Thanks to Rick for capturing such natural beauty - worthy of framing! First glimpse reminds me of a field of pink butterflies. Love it!

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Lori Meadows link
7/21/2021 05:20:45 pm

Thank you Sallie, and thank you Rick for the photos. We love our park--I'm glad you enjoyed it!

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    Between the debilitating effects of age and the 24-hour crush of mind-bending news, my brain is frequently in a fog. Nonetheless. I'll occasionally try to sweep aside the ashy gray matter and shed some light on what's going on at Murky Press. Perhaps together we can also gain a little insight into how we can better use words to organize and clarify the world around us.

    Cheers! 
    Sallie Showalter, Murky Press 

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