The City of Clinton on Tuesday night pushed pause on plans for a toddler park at the Peace Park Roque Court at the corner of Main and Walnut Streets in Clinton.

The issue was hotly contested on social media platforms as too dangerous because of its proximity to the railroad tracks nearby. Commissioner Dan Ballenger says the Council heard the community's concerns.

While the playground project is paused, council members are shifting focus toward preserving the unique history of the Peace Park Roque Court. Commissioner Tom Edmunds reminds that the park was a massive part of Clinton's history through the 1940s, 50s, and 60s—frequently hosting state and national tournaments.

Edmunds adds that the court itself has deep roots in local labor, originally built by area railroaders using old railcar parts, while the surrounding fence was salvaged from a local cemetery. He hopes to work with the mayor to better promote the historic site.

Commissioner John Wise strongly agreed with the push for historical preservation, citing historical records kept by the late Homer Spencer. 

The Council agreed to seek out a better location for the park.