We, the undersigned residents and supporters of Shelbyville, Indiana, respectfully urge city officials and community stakeholders to halt any further transfer or sale of Morrison Park property to private entities, including the Boys & Girls Club. Instead, we advocate for a unified community effort to restore, preserve, and enhance Morrison Park as a public space that honors its historic legacy and provides recreational, cultural, and educational value to current and future generations.

Historical Significance of Morrison Park

Established in 1909 through the efforts of Laura Morrison—who persuaded the city to purchase 12 acres for public use—Morrison Park has long served as a foundational space in Shelbyville’s civic and cultural life.

Among its most meaningful features is a grove of trees planted to honor local men who died in World War I. This living memorial stands as a solemn and lasting tribute to their sacrifice, embedding their stories into the park’s very landscape.

In 1935, under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a bandstand was constructed as part of the New Deal to boost morale and employment during the Great Depression. It became a beloved cultural hub. Though the bandstand was removed in the late 1990s due to structural issues, its memory lives on in the hearts of this community.

Current Challenges

In recent years, Morrison Park has faced deterioration and diminished public investment. While nearby organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and Girls Inc. serve valuable roles, further encroachment of these private uses into park space threatens the park’s integrity as a public, shared resource.

Our Vision for Morrison Park

Preserve Its History: Install plaques highlighting the WWI Memorial Grove, WPA legacy, and key community contributors.
Protect the Veterans Memorial: Clean and preserve the site—not replace it just because it’s old.

Improve Infrastructure: Invest in walkways, playgrounds, benches, lighting, and restrooms.
Engage the Community: Offer events, educational programming, and opportunities to gather.
Keep It Public: Enact policies that ensure no additional parkland is given, leased, or sold.

Conclusion

Morrison Park is not just land—it is legacy. Let’s protect it for our children, veterans, and community heritage. We call on city leaders to invest in the park’s future, not sell off its past.

Let’s keep Morrison Park public. Let’s bring it back to life.