Vastwood Park a community hub for sports, families

22 OUR REGION

HANCOCK

Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022

Vastwood Park a community hub for sports, families

BY SYDNEY O’HEARN

MESSENGER-INQUIRER

If you didn’t know to look for it, you might miss the sign marking Vastwood Park’s entrance on Highway 60.

But the residents of Hancock County know exactly where it is.

Tucked between Hawesville and Lewsiport, Vastwood Park is a community staple for year-round activities.

The large lot upon entering the grounds off Hwy. 60 is perfect for community events and can easily accommodate large crowds.

“There’s a group that does a car show up here. That’s always the third Saturday in October,” said Crystal Young, office manager for Hancock County.

The Hwy 60 Yard Sale — which runs 200 miles through eight counties — comes through the park each year, as well, and there’s a Trail of Treats each Halloween that local businesses support.

Hancock County High School hosts all of its softball and baseball games at the park’s regulation baseball and softball fields.

“The Little League fields are used Monday through Friday,” except Wednesday, according to Young.

Summer brings one of the most popular park events — the annual Fourth of July celebration. The hotter season also allows for swimming in the large lake area, as well as free fishing.

“Now that the lake’s reopened, more people are coming out, “ Young said. The lake was closed to the public for “about six years.”

The lake area has several grills and picnic tables, creating a perfect atmosphere for a family excursion.

“We see lots of families,” said Mary Hodge, beach supervisor. “They can come out to swim, use the picnic tables and charcoal grills. They spend the whole day out here. For most families, it ends up costing around $10.”

Public bathrooms are in the beach house, which has a room that can be rented. “It’s rented out every weekend, mostly for family reunions, but of course the bathrooms remain open to anyone.”

For those who want more than one day, campgrounds are available at $8 a night for tents or $16 for electrical hookups — and there’s a 24-hour bathhouse. According to Hancock County’s website, there are 21 campsites with water and electricity and a dump station located by the bath house. Young says the camper sites tend to stay booked up.

And for good reason.

“It’s a beautiful park,” Hodge said, applauding the care that the county puts into the upkeep of the park. She smiles, in particular, when discussing the recently paved walking trail.

“It goes around the full perimeter of the lake,” Hodge said, “and they’re working on getting lighting for all of it.”

The cross country teams use the walking trail for meets, said Young, and the high school tennis team “comes out here for the courts.”

The park is open year-round, with the exception of the camping area, which is closed November through March.

“It’s fascinating to me when people have never heard of the park, and then they come up and see it,” Young said. “The reaction to how beautiful it is makes you smile.”

Park visitors, from left, Juniper, Olive and Ezra search for minnows in the lake at Vastwood Park.

Photo by Sydney O’Hearn

OUR REGION

HANCOCK

Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 23

The paved walking trail at Vastwood Park spans the perimter of the lake, winding through campgrounds and wooded areas.

Photo by Sydney O’Hearn

Monday,Wednesday &Friday: 9am-5pm Tuesday& Thursday:9am-7pm Saturday: 9am-1pm Sunday:Closed Monday,Wednesday &Friday: 9am-5pm Tuesday& Thursday:9am-7pm Saturday: 9am-1pm Sunday:Closed

www.hcplky.org Hancock County Schools

Focused on the Success of EVERYCHILD

HANCOCK COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

83 St Rt 3543 Hawesville, KY42348 Phone (270)927-6914

robby asberry, Superintendent

Hancock County HIGH SCHOOL

80 ST RT 271S Lewisport, KY42351 Phone (270)927-6953 GinGer estes Principal

Hancock County MIDDLE SCHOOL

100 ST RT 271S Lewisport, KY42351 Phone (270)927-6712 traci sanders Principal

North Hancock ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

330 Frank Luttrell Rd Lewisport, KY42351 Phone (270)927-7900 Kelly Moore Principal

South Hancock ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

8631 St Rt 69 Hawesville KY42348 Phone (270)927-6762 Jennifer Howe Principal