Dogwood Park at Tusculum View was dedicated Tuesday afternoon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Nearly 200 officials and citizens shared in the celebration of the cooperative community effort to build the park.

"Together you really have created a place that's unique in its location and purpose, not to mention a park that residents and visitors can enjoy here," Bredesen said.

"Dogwood Park shows us the good things that can happen when communities realize the value of coming together and working in their own best interest," Bredesen said.

Spearheading that community effort was retiring Greeneville Alderman Ginny Kidwell who was given special recognition during the ceremony.

"This project was a way for us to give a timeless gift to the people of this community," said Kidwell, who has served as aldermen for the past 10 years.

She recalled the project starting with a $60,000 grant from the State of Tennessee and continuing with "a commitment by the Town of Greeneville and remarkable in-kind donations from many fine citizens who have all worked to make this day a reality."

As she stood on the stage of Ginny Kidwell Amphitheater, which has hosted a recent summer concert series and several earlier events for nearby Tusculum View Elementary School, Kidwell said, "It is especially rewarding to watch Dogwood Park take on a life of its own."

Kidwell introduced Gov. Bredesen, stating "It is only fitting that we stand here in this lovely spot with a public elementary school before us, because true leadership means fully understanding the importance of the education of our children and then being willing and able to do something about it."

Greeneville Director of Schools Dr. Lyle Ailshie, who opened the ceremony, said, "I really believe that Gov. Phil Bredesen is the education governor of our time," which was followed by applause from the crowd.

Ailshie introduced the fifth-grade chorus from Tusculum View.

Under the direction of Carla Renner, the 12 students, wearing blue bow-ties and cummerbunds, sang several patriotic songs.

Greeneville Mayor Laraine King asked the crowd to give Kidwell a standing ovation in recognition of her efforts to build the park.

"Alderman Ginny Kidwell had a vision, many years ago now, to provide a park for this area of Greeneville.

"As a dedicated public servant, she pushed this project forward unselfishly. Through her hard work and dedication, the Town of Greeneville now has, not only a beautiful park, but also this amphitheater, which has already become a special venue for music events.

"The many uses for this facility are limitless, not only for the public, but, of course, for the school system as well," King said.

Joining Bredesen, Kidwell, Ailshie and King on stage were State Rep. David Hawk, R-5th of Greeneville, and State Rep. Eddie Yokley, D-11th of Greene County.

Also attending were Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Commissioner of Tourism, and Gerald Nicely, Tennessee Commissioner of Transportation.

Kidwell thanked numerous individuals and groups for their support, beginning with her husband, Robin Kidwell, and sisters Marty Bowman and Betsy Seaver.

"I know our parents (the late Rose and Charles Thorpe) would have loved this moment," she said.

She also thanked former Greeneville Mayor G. Thomas Love and Greeneville Recorder Jim Warner for asking her if she had an idea for a Parks and Recreation grant.

For in-kind services, she thanked architect David Wright, Jerry Fortner and Jimmy Cansler of C&C Millwright, Butch Patterson and the Parks and Recreation staff, David Martin and the Public Works staff, Bill Carroll and the Greeneville Light & Power System staff, Eric Hankins of Hankins & Weems Landscaping and the Niswonger Foundation for the outdoor classroom.

She also thanked her colleagues: Mayor Laraine King, former Mayor Darrell Bryan, former Alderman Tim Teague and Alderman Nancy Monger with special thanks to longtime Aldermen W.T. Daniels and Sarah Webster.

Kidwell also thanked members of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, Dr. Ailshie and the Greeneville Board of Education, Tusculum View's former principal Terri Rymer, retired science teacher Eddie Humphreys, current principal Pat Donaldson and Tusculum View faculty, students and parents.

She also thanked Keep Greene Beautiful, the First Tennessee Development District and the people of Greeneville.

Following the dedication ceremony, the crowd gathered for a reception in the cafeteria of Tusculum View Elementary School.

Bredesen interacted with many children at the reception and viewed elaborate displays about some of the school's programs.

The displays provided information on Tusculum View's "Tiger Pals Peer Tutoring"; "Walk With Me, A Day with the Cherokee"; and "Just About Math" (JAM).