Development of Shilling Park area begins
The land many remember as Shilling Park is currently undergoing a makeover.
Buddy McAdams, owner of Mac’s Tree Service, said Purple Pride Properties, a group he’s part of, bought the land on 19th Street and College Avenue for future development.
“Right now, we’re clearing the underbrush,” he said. “[We want to see] how the land lays.”
McAdams said the investment group does not currently have plans as to how the land will be developed and that the group would be open to ideas from the community or other groups.
He said the group bought 12 acres from the Shilling family, which has owned it for all this time.
Douglas Alexander, who grew up in the Shilling Park area, said he heard stories about the area. He said it used to be like a country club with a lodge.
He said it had roads and benches, gazebos and a pond or two where people used to stroll. Alexander also said there used to be a caretaker that lived on the land that would shoot rock salt at those who trespassed.
He said before Walmart and Home Depot were built, that area was like a real-life “Little Rascals” area where all the kids from the surrounding neighborhoods would play ball.
McAdams said Purple Pride Properties will put up a sign about the land in the near future. He also asked for people to not walk around the grounds without permission as there are some wells that could be dangerous, and he doesn’t want to see anyone get hurt.
Those with questions or ideas can contact him at Mac’s Tree Service at 870863-8407.