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City of Clinton Dedicates Pillar’s Park in Memory of Bonnie and Bill Barnett
The City of Clinton officially dedicated Pillar’s Park on Tuesday in memory of Bonnie and Bill Barnett, honoring a couple whose service, generosity, and love for the community have left a lasting impact on Clinton’s parks and public spaces. Pillar’s Park, designed for residents ages 13 and older, introduces a new kind of recreational experience in the heart of the city with swings, games, and gathering spaces created for teens and adults to relax and connect.
During the ceremony, Mayor Will Purdie read the resolution adopted by the Board of Aldermen formally dedicating Pillar’s Park to the Barnetts. The resolution recognized Bill Barnett’s years of service as Ward 3 Alderman from 2009 until his passing in 2022, along with his many leadership and volunteer roles throughout the community. It also acknowledged Bonnie Barnett’s 25 years of service at Eastside Elementary School in the Clinton Public School District. The resolution noted that, upon Bonnie’s passing, Bill requested memorials be made to Lions Club Park to support the underpass park addition, and additional memorials were later made in his honor. Bill also played a key role in securing funding and grants for the development of the new Lions Club Park through both his aldermanic service and his involvement with the Lions Club. Pillar’s Park was recognized as a fitting tribute to the Barnetts, whose dedication helped shape recreation opportunities for future generations.
Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Nunn and Main Street Clinton Director Tara Lytal also spoke during the event, expressing gratitude for the extensive planning and collaboration that made the project possible. Both thanked the Main Street Clinton Program for securing ARPA grant funding and acknowledged the contributions of WGK and WAS Design for their guidance throughout the development process.
Members of the Barnett family attended the dedication, with Brian Barnett cutting the ribbon in memory of his parents. The ceremony served as both a celebration of the park’s opening and a heartfelt recognition of two individuals who devoted so much of their lives to the Clinton community.
Pillar’s Park is now open to the public, offering a vibrant new space for teens and adults to gather, swing, play, and unwind. The City invites residents to visit and enjoy this meaningful addition to Clinton’s park system.
