Secretariat Park, at 525 Main Street, will be transformed into a green garden with lush landscaping, benches and accent lighting. The centerpiece is a life-sized bronze of Secretariat romping in the field. The artist is Jocelynn Russell of Washington state, who also sculpted the bronze of Secretariat in Lexington, Ky. The Paris sculpture will be different from other Secretariat sculptures because it depicts him at Claiborne, where he lived from 1973 to his death in 1989, rather than racing. The park also includes a 3-story mural of Secretariat winning the Derby by celebrated Kentucky equine artist Jaime Corum. It will be painted on the side of the former Baldwin Hotel, which has been historically renovated. The redesigned park and the bronze will be completed late next year, on Nov. 11, 2023 – exactly 50 years to the day Secretariat arrived at Claiborne for his breeding career. The project is part of a broader effort to redevelop downtown Paris, the entirety of which is on the National Register of Historic Places. In recent years, numerous Main Street buildings have been renovated and new businesses have opened. All individuals or businesses who contribute $100 or more will be recognized at the park. Donations of any size are being accepted by GoFundMe. In addition, larger donations can be made directly to The Secretariat Park Project, PO Box 8, Paris, Ky. 40362. The Secretariat Park Project is a non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.
