Turrell breaks ground on park

Turrell breaks ground on park

New community park will feature playground, ball court, more

news@theeveningtimes.com

Turrell Mayor Dorothy Cooper can’t help but be happy for her city.

The streets are newly paved. The library is open and thriving. They have a new water tower.

And now, on a bright sunshiny day, the city broke ground on a new city park. “I’m ecstatic,” Cooper said. “This is a big step for the community, not just for the youth, but for the elderly as well.”

Cooper, along with a dozen dignitaries, prayed over the ground and threw the first shovelfuls of dirt.

The park, which is located on a city-owned lot behind the fire department off Hwy. 77, will have a full basketball court, pavilion, and a children’s playground.

Turrell was awarded a $45,000 Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism FUN (Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods) grant to help build the park. Cooper said although the city had a basketball court near the old high school and a swing-set at the elementary school, this is the first ever community park.

“We will have a nice picnic pavilion, playground, and a basketball court for the kids to use,” Cooper said. “And I’m not done yet.”

Cooper said she plans to apply for more money to add a walking trail and sidewalks to the park.

“It is going to be really nice and I am so proud and so excited for my city,” Cooper said.

Also attending the groundbreaking were Sen. Keith Ingram, Quorum Court Justice James Fraley, Charles Landrum from First District Congressman Rick Crawford’s office, Alderman Eddie Mae Hale, former Mayor Chester McGee, Pastors Tommy Wells, Calvin Claxton and Calvin Claxton, Jr., Reverends Anthony Banks and Donald Wilson, and Police Chief Perry Jennings.

Cooper said work on the park will begin in about two weeks.

“It is going to be a nice addition to the city and I know it will be well used,” Cooper said.

By Mark Randall