By Cindy Schroeder
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COVINGTON - Just as Fountain Square has its Genius of Water, a proposed Freedom Park at the foot of the Roebling Suspension Bridge could be home to tributes to two civil rights leaders.

As envisioned by Covington officials, the multimillion- dollar park near Covington's Ohio riverfront would honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy through statues, green space, mosaic benches, and a pedestrian walkway, or John F. Kennedy Court.

A lantern or beacon of light near what is now Park Place and Court Street would be directly across the river from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

The proposal also calls for Court Street and the roadway across the Ohio River linking Cincinnati and Covington (not the Suspension Bridge itself) to be named for King.

Covington officials say they would have to acquire about three or four lots for the project, including Barton's on Park Place and The Ink Well. They don't foresee any problems getting the land for green space and parking.

"I think this is a great way to honor two men who were significant in the civil rights movement,'' said Allen Wilkinson, an ordained minister who has led prayer walks on Covington's Eastside. "It shows the diversity of Covington and does a great honor to our community."

Southbank Partners, a group that promotes development in the river cities, would raise money for Freedom Park and lead marketing efforts. The project could cost as much as $3 million, although no firm estimates have been developed. Southbank lobbied for development of Park Place Square in the same region.

A representative of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center described the concept as "a wonderful idea."

"Our mission asks individuals to become modern-day freedom conductors," Sue Feamster, vice president of advancement for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, wrote Covington officials. "Highlighting heroes and the historic significance of Covington in your park will further emphasize the possibilities within each of us."

For 14 years, supporters of the slain civil rights leader have lobbied to get a Covington street or a bridge named for King. Earlier this year, hundreds of petitioners and 31 Northern Kentucky organizations urged Covington leaders to re-name 12th Street, a major east-west artery linking Covington and Newport, for King. At a July 15 hearing, supporters of the change outnumbered opponents, 24 to 13.

"It's great to name a roadway (for King) but we think this will be something more," Covington Mayor Butch Callery said Friday. He added it will likely be years before state highway officials widen 12th Street, an area that many consider blighted. Freedom Park would be pay tribute not only to King but to the civil rights movement that he symbolized, the mayor said.

Kennedy was instrumental in bringing the Internal Revenue Service Center - the city's largest employer - to Covington, and he outlined the blueprint for the National Civil Rights Act in a 1963 televised speech, Covington officials said.

Callery said the proposal was shared recently with Eastside ministers and other African-American leaders. It will have a public hearing next month. Soon after, approval would be sought from the city commission.

The next step would be to gauge whether there is sufficient public support to move forward, said Andy Riffe, Covington's assistant city manager for economic development. Riffe said Freedom Park could be developed in phases, possibly starting as early as next fall.

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