As work on the Rowan County Park off KY 801 continues, a new seasonal position has been created to benefit a former inmate and the community at large. The employee will help with park maintenance and other ongoing projects at the site.
Harry Clark is the Rowan County Judge Executive. He said the new hire, a recently released prisoner, worked on the park with other inmates and has served the project especially well.
“These guys work with us on work detail, and then we give them that opportunity because we say ‘we’re a second chance group’. And so, we afford them that opportunity. And that’s why we do it seasonal,” said Clark. “They might find something better between now and then, but to be honest with you, it gives them a real shot of hope.”
Rowan County already offers the “SCORE” program, allowing inmates to receive rehabilitation training and work jobs in the community. These people, usually Class-D Felons, earn money that is secured until they are released. The program is one of very few offered statewide, and officials said many of these people go on to secure stable employment and rebuild their lives.
Clark said as the county continues to grow, the services offered to people seeking a second chance do as well, so they aim to continue offering these opportunities.
“The inmates that we have, we interview them, we talk with them, we treat them certainly with respect. But they’re really genuinely good folks and they really want to do good. They make bad choices, but they really want to do good. So, the folks that we’ve had working for us take pride in what they do,” said Clark.
The county park is still in its first phase of construction, which so far has included a picnic pavilion, walking trails, and other essentials. More information on the park and SCORE program is available online at rcky.us