Campbell Arts Plaza Adds to Historic Downtown Corsicana

By Susan Wilson, Downtown Reporter

The new Campbell Arts Plaza, the city of Corsicana’s 21st park and the first greenspace in historic Downtown, had the official ribbon cutting to open the park Saturday, October 19 with resounding success. Several hundred people gathered to hear remarks, admire the murals lining the brick backdrop, and see Dr. Campbell and his family. Many groups attended along with city officials, including the members of the Parks and Recreation Board; Linda Cross, Rick Newton and Penny Liggins, who delivered the event’s Invocation.

City officials included Mayor Mike Fletcher, Police Chief Robert Johnson, Parks and Recreation staff and Deb Miller, Pioneer Village Manager, Special Remarks by Interim City Manager Jim Holgersson and Amy Tidwell, Director of Main Street & Tourism, and a Welcome by Sharla Allen, Director of Parks & Recreation. Muralists Zane Marsh and Carly Haynie from Corsicana, and Ashley Perales from San Angelo were in attendance, with remarks from Carly Haynie, and a poetry reading by Corsicana High School student Gracie Montfort.
The CSH Choirs provided musical entertainment, and a special street appearance was made by a classic 1953 Ford Mercury Monterey representing the Downtown Arts organizations of the Palace Theatre, Warehouse Living Arts Center, Navarro Council of the Arts and Corsicana Artist & Writer Residency. (The automobile, donated by Barbara and Derwood Phillps, will be auctioned in January to benefit all four organizations.)
Support from Kinsloe House members in attendance included Marsha Banks, Clara Hickerson, Grace Banks, Neva Johnston, Tammy Carter, Betsy Stroder, Cindy Erwin, Katharine Hable, Linda Cross, Kathy Campbell, Margie Taylor, Helen Albritton, Martin Blanchard, Peggy Herod, Elonda Cassady, Joe Brooks and Susan Wilson. Wilson and Albritton also represented the Board of the Corsicana Visitors Bureau along with Lori Haynie. Joe Hill attended, representing the Texas Veterans Parade (he will be the co-Grand Marshall at the November 9 event downtown.)
Sharla Allen spoke about her close relationship with Dr. Dave Campbell. “Who doesn’t know and just adore Dr. Campbell? I had the pleasure for many years, have worked with, consulted on projects and received calls about the jogging trails needs that he walked for miles and miles, and most importantly, spoke to him on both his and my birthday for decades. Dr. Campbell, this plaza is to honor you and for the enjoyment of all the fine citizens of Corsicana.”
Sharla Allen also acknowledged former city manager Connie Standridge and Public Works Director Terry Franks for their vision and involvement in the park, along with contributors Navarro Community Foundation, Barbara and Ronny Watkins and Skip Hargrave Construction, as well as her hardworking crew.

Mayor Mike Fletcher put Dr. Campbell’s accomplishments and achievements into numbers, saying “Dr. Campbell has had an incredible impact on his family, friends, patients and hundreds, if not thousands of Corsicana citizens over the years, making our city a better place to live. Here, your legacy will live on for decades and decades to come.” Dr. Campbell’s family presided over the official ribbon cutting.
Amy Tidwell commented on the day’s events. “The dedication of the Campbell Arts Plaza was a great success. The work and culmination of this project reflects everything the Main Street Program is about; community engagement, revitalization, and economic vitality. I hope all of our locals and visitors enjoy the park for some time to come.” She thanked Kyle Hobratschk, Founder and Executive Director of the Corsicana Artist & Writer Residency for hosting the event’s reception. “I firmly believe in partnerships and how its value contributes to the overall success of any event. This is another example why the Residency deserved to be a finalist for Texas Downtown’s ‘Best Downtown Partner’ this year.”
The park is open to the public and also available for rental by calling the Parks & Recreation office at 903-654-4874.

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