Honoring Dr. William Stuart Nelson at the Paducah Sports Park Survey

William Stuart Nelson (1895–1977) was a Paducah native, educator, civil rights leader, and a pioneer of the nonviolent movement. We want to hear from YOU on how we should honor his legacy at a memorial plaza being planned within the new Paducah Sports Park.

Your ideas will help shape a lasting tribute that reflects our community’s pride and respect for his life and legacy.

Surveys will be active through Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

As a reminder, not all concepts will be able to be implemented in the final design of the memorial space, and the final space may not be fully constructed by the time the Paducah Sports Park opens in April 2026.

1.What is your name? (questions about you are optional)

3.What is the name of your neighborhood? (if known)

4.What is your zip code?

5.What is your email address?

6.How familiar are you with Dr. Stuart Nelson's life and legacy?(Required.)

Very familiar

Somewhat familiar

Not familiar

7.What values or qualities of Dr. Nelson do you think should be emphasized in a memorial?
(Select all that apply)(Required.)

Other (please specify)

8.What type of memorial would you most like to see at the new sports park?(Required.)

Statue or sculpture

Memorial garden or landscaped area

Interactive exhibit or kiosk about his life

Inspirational quotes or murals

Named area (i.e. “Dr. William Stuart Nelson Plaza”)

Other (please specify)

9.How do you envision the community using the Dr. Nelson Memorial Plaza space? (Select all that apply.)(Required.)

Family reunions

Public events (i.e. 8th of August)

Private events (i.e. wedding)

Reflection space

Other (please specify)

10.What are the main emotions or messages visitors should take away from the Dr. Nelson Memorial?(Required.)

Deeper understanding of Dr. Nelson’s life and legacy

Deeper understanding of the civil rights movement, particularly non-violent concepts

Sense of awe of Dr. Nelson’s impact on Paducah, the nation and the world

Sense of pride for Dr. Nelson’s accomplishments and contributions

Sense of inspiration, reflection, hope

Other (please specify)

11.What specific design element would you like to see included in the Dr. Nelson Memorial Plaza?(Required.)

Quotes from Dr. Nelson

Photos or images Dr. Nelson

Artwork depicting his life and legacy

Digital/QR code links to additional information on Dr. Nelson’s life and legacy

Other (please specify)

12.How would you most like to stay informed about the memorial project?(Required.)

If you have personal stories or connections to Dr. Nelson that you would like to share, please email Jeff Canter at jeff@pfgw.net.

We greatly appreciate your assistance in shaping this tribute to one of Paducah's most inspiring leaders.