Jacksonville, AL – The Calhoun County Commissioners each have specific districts they represent. The District 5 area is currently represented by Lee Patterson. This district covers south of Jacksonville, Pleasant Valley, and Piedmont to the county lines. Commissioner Patterson considers Ladiga Landing to be one of the crown jewels of his district and he is happy to expand upon that location.
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 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. Earlier in the project the Jacksonville Industrial Board gifted one acre so the Landing could be at the current location and the Calhoun County Water authority also donated 1/10 of an acre that has old growth Oak trees.
Jacksonville City Council members Tony Taylor and Andy Green have both been clear on the good working relationship with Commissioner Patterson and the County Commission as a whole. In an earlier article with the Calhoun Journal Andy Green stated, “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.” in that same article 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.
Recently American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have been dedicated to modify the park. The Jacksonville Industrial Development Board (IDB) gave the commission approximately 2/3 of an acre of land to add an upper parking lot. The ARPA funds will be used to construct this parking lot and a ADA compliant restroom.
Commissioner Patterson also talked about the importance of this new parking area to be able to accommodate busses. He sees this park as a potential spot for students in Calhoun County to visit and learn about native plants. There will be plaques designating the plants as well. He also wanted to thank Jamie “Red” Etheredge for presenting the land request to the IDB. 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.
