Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tazewell council approves $25,000 for Billy Wagner Park renovation
Summary
The Town of Tazewell voted to contribute $25,000 toward renovation of the mini park at Main and Marian to create Billy Wagner Park, directing funds to the town IEDA for construction of a brick courtyard, electrical and plumbing work, landscaping and statue installation.
The Town of Tazewell council voted Sept. 9 to designate $25,000 to the town Industrial and Economic Development Authority (IDA) to support renovation of the mini park at Main Street and Marian Avenue and to commission a life‑sized statue honoring William "Billy" Wagner.
The Billy Wagner Park project committee told council the request represents roughly 10% of the committee’s estimated project cost and is intended to fund site preparation, a brick courtyard, plumbing, electrical infrastructure and landscaping. The committee said county leaders have pledged $12,500 and that additional fundraising is under way.
"We think this very worthwhile," the committee representative said while outlining planned masonry, lighting and statue installation. The committee also presented a miniature model of the proposed park layout and said park renovations would create a permanent downtown focal point.
Council member Klein read the resolution into the record, which details Wagner’s local background and baseball career and sets a planned dedication in fall 2026. After discussion, council moved and adopted the resolution on a roll‑call vote with all five members recorded in favor.
The resolution directs the IEDA to apply the town contribution specifically toward on‑site construction work (brick courtyard, infrastructure and landscaping) rather than statue fundraising, the council said. The IEDA and the project committee will continue private fundraising for the statue and other elements.
The council did not set a construction start date in the motion; the committee said additional permitting, fundraising and contracting steps remain before work begins.
