SPEECH
AT GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY
FOR COMMUNITY PARK
OCTOBER 8, 2004
It is a pleasure for me to officiate at the ground-breaking
ceremony the new park being created for the community of
Franklin. This park is an excellent example of working together
for the best interest of the community.
Today marks the beginning of the construction of a park that will
contribute significantly to the quality of life of the residents
of this community.
Phase 1 of this 51,000 square foot park will be complete this
fall. Phase 1 will involve preparation of the grounds, removal
and reshaping of trees, planting of a portion of the flowers and trees
and installation of a walking path. Phase 2 of the project
will begin in the spring of 2005. Phase 2 will include
placing playground equipment, a bocce court, a horseshoe pit and
a shelter area which will include picnic benches and more
landscaping. The signage of the park will be included in
Phase 2.
I’d like to thank everyone for working so hard to make this day
possible. I also want to thank each of you for coming – and offer a
special welcome to our friends who have made this day
possible. While community residents have worked countless
hours this would not be possible without the generosity of our friends
and neighbors. I would like to congratulate all those who have
partnered with us on this very important milestone. We would like
to thank Ken Webb of Gold Bank, managers of the Pritchett
Trust, John Harrison and Matt Parcel of “All In The Garden“, Dr.
Talaat Yaghmoor, Chris Ward with Pittsburg Area Community Foundation,
Kevin Mitchelson of Wheeler and Mitchelson, Pittsburg, Scott Crain of
Pittsburg and Boy Scout Troup #71 of Arma for helping with Phase 1 of
this project. We welcome those who are here to
witness the start of a new chapter in the history of Franklin.
The park will be enjoyed for decades to come. We can almost
feel the presence of the children 100 years ago playing on this very
spot which was the location of the Franklin Grade School. We can
almost hear their laughter. We can also hear the laughter
of children of the next generation following in their
footsteps. We also hear echos from the Community Hall
which stood at this site for many years. Many family
gatherings were held in that hall. We dedicate this park to
the many generations who have walked these grounds, shared valuable
time with their families and created lifelong memories.
As we being Phase 2 we will be looking to our friends to help with this
worthwhile project.
We know that amenities like parks help change an area from just being
new homes and sidewalks to truly being a neighborhood. Parks and open
spaces offer a place for us to meet. A place for us to sit, stroll,
play, listen to a concert, or read. A place to watch the changing of
the seasons. We’ll all look forward to seeing the park’s progress
as it begins construction There will be more to celebrate
as we see this new neighborhood continue to take shape.
Let’s begin that next page in the history books by breaking ground on
this new park!
---Craig Stokes, President, Franklin Community Council, Inc.