During Tuesday’s monthly Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist & Convention Commission meeting, executive director Bill Stevens and his board once again unearthed healthy discussion and debate regarding potential revitalization projects for the community — particularly within the Cadiz city limits.
At the crux of the conversation: the Cadiz Renaissance Stage on the corner of Main and Marion streets.
In dire need of leveled parking, better seating — and accessible bathrooms for downtown visitors perusing antique shops, twice-a-week farmers’ market and the downtown district — the long-time organizational area has also served well for small concerts, Trigg County Ham Festival events and local photo shoots.
However, the board agreed that growth at the location is needed, though the first steps seem unclear. Should the city take initiative? Should the commission? How about local parks & recreation? Could it be a collaborative effort? Stevens posited everyone needed to be involved.
Also tossed about in the discussions was the flat-top property in front of the Cadiz Waterworks along Main Street, which used to house the old Economy Cee Bee and, later, Washer’s IGA & Catering before being torn down in the winter of 2020. Could it become the next location for a city-limits renovation? That’s hazy, too.
What isn’t in question, according to Stevens, is that both city and county officials want something to happen in regards to downtown revitalization sooner rather than later. And a handful of unnamed downtown business owners have intimated the need for the stages and more bathrooms to be the immediate focus.
The conversation originally spurred between Cadiz City Council appointee Susan Bryant and Lake Barkley State Resort Park manager David Miller, regarding the use of city monies to create and install a lengthy disc-golf course at the Trigg County Recreation Complex.
Bryant, much like she noted at the last Cadiz City Council meeting, simply stated she’d like to see some of those funds find their way in keeping some tourism in the downtown area.
Stevens agreed, adding that another piece of property — and its potential improvements — could be key.
The commission meets again on August 10.
