Bowling Green officials want community members’ thoughts on what they would like to see in a new park in the historic Shake Rag neighborhood.

The Shake Rag area was once a hub of the city’s African-American community. Many of the buildings in the area are long gone, but the city hopes to acknowledge the history as much as possible within a new park in the heart of Shake Rag.

A roughly two-acre parcel of city-owned land along College Street between Third Avenue and just west of Second Avenue is being turned into a small, passive park.

Next on the city’s development plan for the park is building a shelter at the park using some historic building materials, as well as building paths, benches and perhaps picnic tables.

Because of the historical significance of the site, “it’s an unusual project for us … we want to do it right,” city Parks and Recreation Department Director Brent Belcher said previously.

Shake Rag was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, becoming Bowling Green’s first National Register district recognized for its importance to African-American history, according to a city press release.

While initial discussions for the park included plans for a wall of murals or other artwork to feature historic images of Shake Rag, that option was ultimately deemed too costly.

City officials, however, are hoping to acknowledge the historic aspect of the park in some way. To that end, the city is hosting a community open house to gather input.

“We want to get an idea from the people of the community what they want to see” at the park, city Public Information Officer Kim Lancaster said.

The open house will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the George Washington Carver Center at 201 State St.

While the city hopes to get input from Shake Rag residents, the open house “is absolutely open to anyone,” Lancaster said.

– Follow News Director Wes Swietek on Twitter @BGDNgovtbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.