CLARKSVILLE, Ind. — Construction to redevelop Ashland Park in Clarksville is underway to connect the Ohio Rive Greenway to Jeffersonville through River Road.
As of Friday, communications director for the Town of Clarksville Ken Conklin said the project is on schedule to be completed this November.
But it's starting to make a noticeable impact on a small business' revenue and accessibility. The portion of River Road, in front of The Widow's Walk Ice Creamery, is currently loose gravel and a part of the ongoing construction.
The owner, Jill Dodson, said they are getting into their peak season in sales and that the next seven months could be a challenge.
Dodson said she's not trying to melt under the pressure and find different ways to make sure they can stay afloat.
"I literally went into a panic," Dodson said. "I was just like I don't know what's going to happen here. This is tough."
Trucks drive past her window every day, but it's not the the ones full of customers and families she's used to seeing.
"I'm used to getting 10,000 customers a month peak season," Dodson said. "I used to have a pretty good dinner crowd every night through the week. So I've just kind of closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday."
If you take the detour to River Road by driving down Sherwood Avenue you'll see a traffic sign with the words 'Road Closed'. In front of it is an orange sign that reads 'Ashland Park And Widows Walk Ice Creamery Are Open'.
Dodson spoke with the town to see if they could help get the word out that she's still an operating business.
Clarksville responded by putting multiple signs to show how you can get to the ice cream shop even while it's main road is under construction.
"No one enjoys this," Conklin said. "We don't enjoy this but we are going to do everything in our power to make sure everyone gets through this and we're all going to reap the benefits once the project is completed."
Ashland Park is a hot spot for visitors to watch Thunder Over Louisville every year. Conklin said the construction site will be closed for this upcoming event.
"We looked to keep a portion open for folks to get back and forth, but our emergency services, police and fire said it's just too dangerous," Conklin said. "The good news is all of the viewing spaces usually taken by folks to see the firework show and air show are going to be open."
Dodson said 90% of her customers are tourist and an important part of keeping operations from freezing. She plans to get the word out and welcome everyone to her shop to watch the show and buy some ice cream. Until November comes, Dodson hopes she'll be able to keep the shop around past the 25 years it's already been established.
"Once I get to the other side it's going to be great," Dodson said. "It's going to be wonderful down here."
Until then she said it's like a ghost town in the area during the week days and she is now operating on a new schedule.
"It really doesn't pay me to turn the lights on," Dodson said.
The Widow's Walk Ice Creamery changed their hours of operations to being open Friday from 12 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. - 9 p.m., and Monday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The business also started a GoFundMe to help navigate the financial struggles they are facing, if you'd like to make a donation click this link.
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