BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
TOWN OF ELMORE, ALABAMA – This morning the clouds parted just in time for the Town of Elmore to unveil their official pond and park, which will be lovingly called Margaret’s Meadow.
Margaret White is the longtime mayor of Elmore, and she beamed brilliantly as the name was unveiled in her honor.
The pond is fairly new for Elmore and was created on land that was once the site of the annual Elmore Fire Department Tractor Pull. When improvements were made to Hwy. 14 through Elmore, dirt was used from the property for the construction, leaving an area for a large pond.
Since that time, town staff have manicured the area into a park, allowed the pond to fill with water and it has been stocked with fish. There are also numerous ducks on the pond, which were donated.
But the park will also be home to a new Community Center/Senior Center thanks to a $400,000 grant approved by the governor and administered by CARPDC. The town also received a grant from Midsouth RC&D for $25,000 which helped build a shelter/pavilion which was recently completed and the site of today’s celebration.
Around the park are benches, swings, picnic tables and grills recently installed as well. But it is just the beginning, as more improvements are expected in the future.
Pastor Mize opened the ceremony with a beautiful prayer, asking that the grounds be a place of love and recreation for generations to come for the Town of Elmore.
“It is a great start,” Mayor White said this morning. She thanked all that were in attendance, and said the support given to Elmore over the years by area officials has been unbelievable. She thanked everyone involved in the grant progress, and especially area officials who helped her navigate the waters to apply for the grants.
Present were numerous state and local officials to help celebrate the official announcement and opening of the park.
Autaugaville Mayor Curtis Stoudemire traveled from his community in Autauga County to congratulate his friend Mayor White in person. It was a surprise to Mayor White, and she rushed over to give him a hug.
As both are mayors of small communities, Stoudemire said they have forged a bond and rely on each other. “We have been through some stuff,” he said with a laugh.
Other officials included several from CARPDC, MidSouth RC&D Council, Senator Clyde Chambliss, County Commission members and others, who said they understand how big of a deal this is for Elmore. It is a dream recognized for offering more quality of life for the small town, which has seen dramatic growth in the past few years.
The town also recently received a grant to help with flooding issues, so the little town is making really big strides toward improvement.
The new Community Center/Senior Center will begin construction soon. It replaces the former building that had to be demolished due to structural issues. The original building had once been a school and it was donated by the Mercer family to be used many years ago. It was a favorite gathering place for the community, for events and the regular Senior luncheons sponsored by Mayor White.
“The luncheons will be coming back!” Mayor White said with a smile, and to very loud applause.
The plan is to build a 2,000 square-foot multi-use facility which the entire town can enjoy for special occasions.
To show appreciation, many gifts and baskets were given to those who were integral in helping make the park and Margaret’s Meadow possible.
We will continue to follow the progress, and we congratulate Mayor White, the Town Council and residents on a new, beautiful park to enjoy for generations to come. The EAN will be regular visitors to cover those wonderful luncheons and activities when they resume!
About RC&D Council – About Mid-South RC&D
The purpose of our volunteer organization is to provide the local leadership required for developing and carrying out a plan for conservation, improvement and development of our region. We promote wise use of natural and human resources thereby improving economic opportunities and the general well being of all the people in the Mid-South Resource Conservation and Development Council area. Our region includes Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery counties. When neighbors help neighbors we believe the whole world will be a better place.
Mid-South is a community-driven collaboration of many partners; the communication and hard work between all these pieces make it work. The local, state and national RC&D network is a powerful way to help people change communities for the better. Get involved with your local RC&D Council and become a game changer!
We’re part of the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils as one of the nine councils found in Alabama. And we’re here to help our region continue to lead.
About CARPDC – Serving Autauga, Elmore, And Montgomery Counties
The Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, or CARPDC (pronounced kärp-dek), is one of twelve regional commissions in the State that was established to provide technical assistance to local governments in the areas of planning and development. We partner with communities in Autauga, Elmore, and Montgomery Counties to support local governments in the areas of Community and Economic Development, Planning, and Housing projects, policies, and initiatives.
See more photos below, including a beautiful poem written for the occasion today by Carol Sposato of CARPDC.
