Clarkson celebrated two new upgrades to its city park last Thursday afternoon, with the unveiling of its William Walker Building community center and improved playground.
According to Clarkson Mayor Bonnie Henderson, the effort to purchase and renovate what would become the William Walker Building was a years-long process.
When the city was finally able to purchase the two-acre property, it established a park fundraising committee to help finance the renovation of the building, and, over the course of a year and a half, the city was able to raise $50,000, Henderson said.
“I’m very proud of it,” she said. “I think it looks great.”
Additionally, Jennifer Henderson, Mayor Henderson’s daughter-in-law, paid $5,000 to sponsor the building and chose to name it after her father, William Walker.
Following Mayor Henderson’s remarks, she — alongside other city and county officials, as well as members of the Grayson County Chamber of Commerce — cut the official ribbon to celebrate the building’s grand opening.
The William Walker Building is available for rentals at the fee of $200 per day with a $100 deposit.
In addition to the unveiling of the new community center, the city and Leitchfield VFW Post 12175 shared the new improvements and inclusive equipment at the city park’s Mike Marshall Memorial Playground.
As included in a plan presented to and approved by the Clarkson City Commission in May, VFW Post 12175 purchased and installed new swings, a Ten Spin, a Tapered Tower, and musical bars for the playground. This equipment (minus the Tapered Tower, which was scheduled to be delivered after last Thursday’s event) was unveiled following a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The new equipment was Phase 1 of the VFW’s planned improvements for the playground. Phase 2 will include the purchase and installation of a new safety surface at its base, so children who play on it will no longer have to worry about playing on water or mud, according to VFW Post 12175 Commander Leo Chisolm.
After the VFW completes its improvements to the playground, Chisolm said, it will next pave the parking area near the Clarkson Veterans Memorial.
“As long as the VFW exists, we will continue helping to improve the park,” he said. “We’re committed to the community.”
Read more at the Grayson County News.
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