In a special called meeting, the Henderson City Council approved Friday morning to move ahead with a grant application to make significant renovations to Kings Daughters Park, including making it handicap accessible for multi-generational users.

As interim City Manager Paylor Spruill explained, this Community Development Block Grant funding is a variation that does not require housing construction; rather, it’s for neighborhood revitalization.

The meeting was called to allow for a required second public hearing on the matter. Four individuals spoke during the public hearing.

The grant also requires no match, and the initial $150,000 would be used to complete Phase 1, said Kendrick Vann, director of the Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Department and assistant to the city manager.

In addition to improving the park’s accessibility, Phase 1 would also enhance the amphitheater, allowing for future concerts in the park, Vann said.

The total price tag when Phase 2 is completed, would be about $1.25 million and would include shelters and a walking trail for health and wellness.

Talks are under way to create an environmental design for the park, located at 600 W. Montgomery Street. Vann said this project fits with the focus on revitalization of the Elmwood and West End areas of the city.

Vann said the Kerr-Tar COG has been instrumental in getting paperwork for the grant completed and submitted, and with Council support, it can be completed before the looming deadline.

Vann said the project has received letters of support from a variety of community entities, including Vance County, Smart Start, FVW Opportunity, Inc. and Gateway CDC.

Spruill said to expect to hear something in early 2026.