City of Republic opens up The Loop at J.R. Martin

J.R Martin Park’s long-awaited addition was open to the public at a grand opening and ribbon cutting event on Friday, June 12. The Loop, as the new pavilion area is called, provides a roofed-in, weatherproof area that can hold events year-round. 

The Loop was made possible by a renewal of the quarter-cent capital improvement tax passed, which provides roughly $1 million to the city’s parks department every year, according to previous reporting by the Commonwealth. 

The new development, constructed near the Amp in the park, includes a large pavilion for a farmers’ market, a handful of vendors were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The addition also includes plaza space with seating, a lot for food trucks, expanded parking, trail connections to the rest of the park, and a concrete building for concessions. 

Republic Mayor Eric Franklin said in an interview after the event that this new space will be of great use to the community as it will be accessible to people of all abilities. 

“It will all be ADA accessible,” said Franklin. “We now have a parking lot where you can ride a wheelchair or if you have another assisted mobility device you can go from [one side of the park,] come over and experience what’s here, rain or shine.”

More ahead

This is merely phase one of the expected finished product, however. Phase two will see three large sections of the park redeveloped with educational and play elements, as well as an area for artistic expression, the second phase has not yet begun construction, however. 

Phase one is currently open for public use after the ribbon cutting ceremony. At the ceremony, city leaders including City Administrator Colten Harris, Mayor Eric Franklin, and Parks and Recreation Director Kris Park delivered speeches to the citizens and community leaders in attendance.  

“As we look around today, it is easy to see the physical improvements that have been made, but what excites us the most is not the structures, the plaza behind us or the amenities, it is what will happen here next,” said Parks. “The conversations that will take place, the events that will bring people together, the businesses that will benefit from the new opportunities, the children who will play here and the memories that families will create for generations. The Loop at J.R. Martin represents another step forward in our commitment to creating memorable experiences through progressive thinking and exceptional service.”