In July 2007, one of Main Street’s landmarks, the Meredith House burned and was quickly torn down.

A debate then ensued around the city on what to do with the land, once ownership of it returned to the city. The Daviess County Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with other local businesses and organizations, is looking to bring a little more green to downtown with a park where the hotel once stood.

The Chamber has had a drawing made of what a proposed park would look like. A fountain and gazebo are the main attractions, along with tables and trees. Sidewalks, along with 10 more parking spaces, are also being built by the city of Washington.

The land is currently owned by the county after a tax sale found no bidders. City Attorney Jeff Norris said Tuesday that after title work, the county plans to give the land back to the city.

To help pay for an estimated $50,000 price tag for the park, Chamber Executive Director Charles Selby said the Chamber has started a “Recycling for Revitalization” program that will get the funds for the park and other projects. The goal for the project in total is $100,000.

“The program’s already working,” Selby said.

The program will take used cell phones, aluminum cans, sheet metal and other items for recycling. The city has its own recycling program but its main focus is cardboard, plastics and newspaper.

Selby said several businesses have already signed up to help in the program. The Wal-Mart Supercenter will be collecting cans, while United Insurance on Main will be a collection point for unused cell phones. Other drop-off points will be located at Daviess Community Hospital and at Head Start. Steel will be picked up at the home.

Selby also hoped that organizations will want to contribute further at the park. He hoped to equal the success of the lighting project on Main Street. All the lights have been bought and will be installed in June.

“We’re hoping some organizations will come take a piece of it whether it be picnic tables or lights and do the fund raising,” Selby said.