Jackson Energy and Community Partners Unite to Revitalize Worthington Memorial Park

MCKEE, Ky. — As part of its commitment to serving the community beyond delivering safe, reliable electricity, Jackson Energy Cooperative proudly led the revitalization of Worthington Memorial Park in Annville, Kentucky. Working alongside dedicated community partners, more than 60 employees and volunteers contributed over 400 man-hours to beautify one of Jackson County's cherished recreational spaces. Through this collective effort, they have created lasting improvements that will provide a cleaner, safer and more welcoming park for families, children and visitors to enjoy.

As part of Jackson Energy's participation in Kentucky's Beautify the Bluegrass initiative, organizations throughout the community combined their resources, volunteer efforts and expertise to make lasting improvements that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come. The initiative showcases how local partnerships can enhance public spaces while strengthening the communities they serve.

Partners include Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC), PraXel Line Services, Jackson County Development Association, Jackson County Kiwanis Club, Jackson County Community Foundation, Jackson County Correctional Facility, Gray Hawk Building Supply, EKPC/Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, and ProtecTerra Vegetation Management.

The revitalization has taken place over two community workdays. During Workday #1, volunteers mulched the playground, installed a new sidewalk, erected the park's official entrance sign, repaired playground equipment and gave the ballpark a fresh coat of paint.

During Workday #2, crews painted the park restrooms, installed new restroom stall doors, hung a handicap-accessible swing to provide more inclusive play opportunities and erected support poles for a future overhead shelter that will provide shade over the bleachers.
The results are already making a difference. Families are enjoying the updated playground, children are spending time outdoors and neighbors are once again gathering at the park—demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations work together toward a shared goal.

"This project is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when organizations unite behind a common purpose," said Ryan Henderson, president and CEO of Jackson Energy. "By combining our resources, time and talents, we're creating a place where families can gather, children can play and neighbors can connect. It's an investment not only in this park, but in the future of our communities."

Jackson Energy extends its sincere appreciation to every organization and volunteer whose generosity, hard work and dedication made this revitalization possible. Their collective efforts have created a park that will serve as a source of pride and enjoyment for years to come.
As work continues, the partners look forward to completing additional improvements and building upon the success of a project that reflects the true spirit of cooperation, volunteerism and community service. Together, we are building stronger communities—one project at a time.

Jackson Energy is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving more than 52,000 accounts across seven counties in southeastern Kentucky. The cooperative is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity while improving the quality of life in the communities it serves.