July 7, 2021
Lee Evancho
The Calhoun County Commissioners each have specific districts they represent. The District 5 area is currently represented by Lee Patterson. Commissioner Patterson is serving his 7th year as a representative for district 5. This district covers south of Jacksonville, Pleasant Valley, and Piedmont to the county lines. He has approximately 23,000 constituents.
Each commissioner has an allotment of discretionary funds that can be used to support selected projects. Commissioner Patterson has chosen the Chief Ladiga Landing in Jacksonville as one of his many projects. He did want to stress that this park is considered a county park, but the city of Jacksonville assists in maintaining the park. There is also a spur at the park for access to the trail.
The Chief Ladiga Landing has several focal features. It has two pavilions and rock-work is being added at the four corners. Brown Bridge was relocated from Rabbit Town and placed at the park as well. In addition, an arbor is being constructed that will have native honeysuckle along it, as well as growing up the bridge cables. Only native plants were placed at the park to make the sustainability easier and more cost effective. Commissioner Patterson also wanted to thank the City of Jacksonville Industrial Board for gifting one acre so the Landing could be at the current location. The Calhoun County Water authority also donated 1/10 of an acre that has old growth Oak trees. Commissioner Patterson sees the park as a small gift he can help make available to all the residents of the city of Jacksonville and the county as a whole. When he looks at the park, he stated it gives him great pride to see what can be accomplished. He also gave the city of Jacksonville great kudos on their maintenance of the area.
The Calhoun County Journal had an opportunity to speak to Jacksonville City Council members Tony Taylor and Andy Green. Both councilmen stated they have a good working relationship with Commissioner Patterson and the County Commission as a whole. Andy Green went on to say “Government entities work together every day for the collective effort of making our respective places the best they can be. We often see first responder agencies coming together through mutual aid agreements when there is an emergency and a need for support with personnel and equipment. As a city councilor, I will always strive for the best relationship with sister councils, the Calhoun County Commission, and our State delegation. Issues and opportunities are not always defined by geopolitical boundaries. That is why it is imperative we work together as interdependent elected and appointed individuals to serve all people.” Councilman Taylor mentioned he has known Lee Patterson for many years personally as well as in an elected capacity. They have always maintained a good working relationship, and the Chief Ladiga Landing has been the largest project they worked on together. Councilman Taylor stated that even though the park is technically a county park, it is also a great focal point for Jacksonville and really the entranceway to Jacksonville.
One point of clarification Commissioner Patterson wanted to make is that there has been a lot of talk about the new proposed park in Jacksonville. That park is currently in a design phase and is at a separate location from the Chief Ladiga Landing. While Commissioner Patterson does look forward to supporting any new park the city of Jacksonville chooses to build, this is not a specific project he is heading. A few other projects he is involved in is a mural project being headed by the not-for- profit, Great Things in Jacksonville, to which he donated $1,000. He also has made contributions to many other local school bands, sport groups, and various 501(c)3 organizations in his district.
