From Dog Parks to Farmer's Markets: Mount Jackson's Community Hubs

The Valley Today

Mount Jackson’s parks and recreational areas are booming with new developments. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael invited Olivia Hilton, the town manager, to provide all the inside details.

Initially approved in January, the master park and pedestrian connectivity plan, or MP3, is Olivia’s primary focus. It all starts with Lions Park, the main community park, which is set to have a new entrance from Route 263 and better restroom facilities. Additionally, the park has expanded by 20 acres, thanks to strategic land acquisitions.

The new Jacktown Bark Park for dog owners is also a hit. Located downtown on King Street, it’s designed to be a convenient and enjoyable space for local residents. It’s equipped with artistic installations, water fountains, shade, and benches, as well as plans for future expansions based on community feedback. The grand opening will be held on Saturday, June 28th from noon til 3pm. The celebration will feature local groomers, baby pools, and plenty of treats for dogs and their owners.

Red Banks Park is another significant project in the works. The park will offer 11.5 acres of river access, complete with parking, restrooms, picnic spaces, and fishing drop-ins. It’s all part of the town’s broader goal to connect various green spaces through pedestrian paths and crosswalks, creating a comprehensive outdoor experience for residents.

Mount Jackson’s community engagement doesn’t stop at parks. The monthly farmers market, organized by the Mount Jackson Hometown Partnership, offers local produce, crafts, and baked goods. The town also supports a vibrant library program and summer events that aim to bring the community together.

Looking forward, Mount Jackson plans to host movie nights and continue its crowd-pleasing Tater Fest. This festival, which celebrates the town’s famous Route 11 potato chips, will feature quirky events like mashed potato sculpting competitions and the hilariously unpredictable cow pie bingo. Olivia announces that the event will always be held on the 4th Saturday of September, so mark your calendars now for September 27, 2025.

As Olivia continues to lead the town towards recreational and communal harmony, residents eagerly anticipate each new development, proving that in Mount Jackson, there’s always something fun and engaging to look forward to.

Learn more on their website: https://www.mountjackson.com/