Panther Creek Park 5160 Wayne Bridge Road Click here for directions to the park

Summer Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM (April 1st through October 31st)    Winter Hours:      8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (November 1st through March 31st) To make shelter, ball diamond, or program reservations please  call  685-6142.

About Panther Creek Park

• Named for the major creek that flows westward through the property and Daviess County, Ky.

• This creek is the principle drainage system for Daviess County.

• The portion of Panther Creek in the park is artificial.

• This creek facilitates southern Owensboro and surrounding area drainage.

• In charge of the drainage project was Mr. R. H. Ford, grandfather to Senator Wendell Ford and retired Park Naturalist Joe Ford.

• Although the man-made portion of Panther Creek increased the run off of rain water, many land owners of that time detested R. H. Ford because he taxed all property that had water drainage into Panther Creek.  This caused some hardships in paying the tax even though they lived miles from the channel.

• We recognize the benefits Panther Creek provides for the low flat land.

The smaller creek known as "Clear Creek", flows from North to South and extends south past the park's boundaries. A portion of the park nature area lies along Clear Creek and south to the new portion of Panther Creek. Most of the wildflowers, bird and animal life to be observed are in this area. Future development of trails and access to this section will add enjoyment in Panther Creek Park. The elevated existing nature area walkways makes wildlife observation available for the handicapped. Both parks offer much of interest for any nature observer.  

AWARDS

• Panther Creek Nature Trail was the first recipient for the "ENJOY OUTDOORS AMERICA" award by Governor Brereton C. Jones at the request of Secretary of the Interior, Manual Lujuan. "ENJOY OUTDOORS AMERICA", the Secretary's outdoor recreation program, focuses on nine major activity areas - bicycling, boating, camping, fishing, golf, hiking, hunting, touring, and winter sports.

• In April 1993 Deputy Secretary of the Interior, Frank A. Bracken, presented an "ENJOY OUTDOORS AMERICA" award at the dedication of the Panther Creek Nature Trail in April 1993. This was the first trail in the Nation to receive this award.

• Daviess County Parks and Recreation has also been awarded the Governors Award for Handicapped Accessibility and the Governors Award of Excellence in Parks and Recreation for populations 25,000 and up.

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Information contained within this web site is for information purposes only and is subject to change  without notice.  Current laws and regulations may be obtained by contacting the respective departments.