JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Playground Paradise, a popular children’s playground in South Pittsburg, is set to receive a major makeover following the recent passage of Resolution 1054.
The resolution was introduced during the community’s recent October meeting. City Administrator Michael Hudson explained how the city is turning its focus towards renovating Loyd Park following recent renovations completed at Moore Park. He stated that the board has initially applied for a diabetes grant to go towards funding major renovations for Loyd Park. However, the board was not awarded the funds, leaving Hudson to reach out to the Southeast Tennessee Development District (SETD) for additional grant options. Upon speaking with SETD grant writer Paul McKee, Hudson was recommended to apply for the program’s Department of Tourism Grant. However, the funds would only cover renovating Playground Paradise, leaving remaining renovations to be funded by other grants.
Hudson stated that upon applying for $100,000 through the tourism grant, the city received an additional $15,000 donation from the National Cornbread Festival board to help match the tourism grant funds. Because of the added donation from the Cornbread Festival board, the city received approval of the tourism grant from SETD two weeks after the administration’s application.
“I’m excited to say that the city of South Pittsburg has been approved for a $100,000 grant to go towards the Playground Paradise piece of Loyd Park,” said Hudson.
Discussion regarding updating Loyd Park first began during the town’s July meeting. At the time, Michael detailed Moore Park’s recent upgrades and announced plans to move ahead with Loyd Park after Moore Park’s upgrades were complete. The goal is to update both parks for the community to enjoy, as they were left over time in disrepair due to general usage and the elements. Playground Paradise is the first section of Loyd Park set to receive upgrades.
The Board of Mayor & Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 1054, in addition to approving the removal of old playground equipment and the purchase of new equipment for Playground Paradise.