Red Orchard Park
In March 2007, Clarence Miller, our
largest land donor to date, officially
donated his 131 acre farm, now known as
Red Orchard Park, to Shelby County's
Parks Department. It had been his
family's home since 1925. Mr.
Miller is 94 years old and 85 years of
his life has been on this beautiful,
well - kept farm. Red Orchard Park
got its name from the orchard which was
planted around 1792 by Aquilla Whitaker,
who settled in what is now Shelby
County, Kentucky at Whitaker Station, an
important refuge for early settlers in
the region. She and her husband
John helped to establish the town of
Shelbyville. The orchard was said
to turn a brilliant red in the fall;
thus the name "Red Orchard". The
park consists of 131 acres of beautiful
rolling land with lush pasture and
gorgeous mature trees such a walnut,
blue ash, and sycamore.
There have been three public Master Plan
meetings at which the public could
present their dreams for what the park
will be. It will take several
years to actually complete the Master
Plan; however, the park land will offer
beautiful sites for picnics, walking,
and the enjoyment of nature soon.
Directions to Red Orchard Park:
Off U.S. 60 turn on Mack Walters Road
next to Village Plaza Shopping Center.
After crossing two railroad tracks take
the next road on the left, Kentucky
Street. Red Orchard Park is the
second property on the right.
There will be a black plank fence and
sign for Red Orchard Farm. However
this Park is not open for public use at
this time; however, the main house is
available for rentals as well as the Hoe
Down Barn. For more information
contact Clay T. Cottongim, Director of
Parks and Recreation at
ctcottongim@shelbycountyparks.com or
502-633-5059.
Click here
to view the Master Plan for Red Orchard
Park.
Red Orchard Rental Rates
