LACIE SILVA
Editor
At the recent meeting of the Whitwell Mayor and Commissioner Board, community members addressed several concerns, focusing on a Labor Day incident and volunteering opportunities at Whitwell Park.
Christy Frizzles praised the Labor Day parade but raised concerns about a police response to a disturbance involving reckless driving. She felt officers responded too quickly, endangering children, and expressed frustration at being blocked from commenting on the police department’s Facebook page. Frizzles also advised that others had told her they had been blocked from commenting on the page as well.
Chief David Boyd explained that officers were responding to reports of dangerous driving, and the initial responding officer could not be reached, leading to concerns for her safety. Chief Boyd advised that he then responded to the scene and explained that he was unable to use the side roads with the ongoing line up of the parade festivities. He assured the public that officers are trained for such situations and clarified that their maximum speed during the response was 40 to 45 miles per hour. Furthermore, Chief Boyd detailed that annually all officers are required to go through the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). Chief Boyd finalized his explanation that, in situations where an officer is in immediate danger, the response would typically involve significantly higher speeds, but this would not be appropriate in the context of a parade with children present.
Frizzles asked if there was an official park board or committee and expressed her willingness to volunteer her time to help clean up the park. The board explained that several years ago, the city had a park board, but it was dissolved by the commissioner board after multiple meetings were missed with no attendees. They also informed her that if there was enough interest and need, the board could vote to establish a new park board.
Frizzles then inquired about who currently makes decisions regarding park activities. She explained that several people had complained about the park’s $10 entry fee for the Labor Day events and questioned the reasoning behind charging the same fee for future events, given the complaints about the initial charge.
Cleek explained that the upcoming event in question is the park’s pilot program that would charge $10 per person, a fee he personally approved. It was confirmed to the board that the upcoming event, “Glow in the Park,” would take place on October 19. The event would feature a movie, popcorn, and a goodies bag containing glow sticks. Later, Sandra Tennille added that she was helping organize the park events, and the admission fee would also cover free face painting, s’mores, and a haunted trail. Tennille further mentioned that additional events were planned for October and Christmas.
Vice Mayor Castle noted that while people often complain about the park’s lack of activities and the fees charged for events, funding is necessary to make improvements. Mayor Sandra Crabtree added that volunteers are always welcome. Commissioner Mike Dillon voiced his frustration, pointing out that although many complain, few are willing to volunteer.
Later, Jeffrey Hawley expressed interest in becoming more involved in park activities, sharing his passion for improving the area and the community for children. Commissioner Dillon emphasized the need and opportunities to “rejuvenate not only the park but the city” for the overall betterment of the community.
Virginia Waters, a parent of a high school senior, asked the board for more opportunities for students to earn volunteer hours needed for scholarships like Tennessee Promise. She was directed to the city’s Facebook page, which lists opportunities, and advised that information is shared with school guidance counselors.
