The people of the Concord community in Lowndes County celebrated the official opening of Concord Park at 52 Shady Lane on Saturday. Swing sets, a basketball court, jungle gym, pavilion, walking track and volleyball pit were welcome new additions to the small community.
“This park is a great asset to the community for citizens and kids,” said Mayor Robert Smith. “This is a community that has been looked over for too many years; I think this will bring them together.”
Willie Robinson, 63 said the new park has been a blessing for his community.
“I”m so glad they put the park here. I have kids and grandkids and I come here every morning a walk,” he said. “I used to walk down the road and that”s not really safe. But now my cousin and I walk here in the morning and my kids come in the afternoon.”
The park has made exercise and play more accessible to residents like the Robinson family. Before Concord Park, the closest place to go was Lake Lowndes State Park, which is almost six miles away from the Concord area.
The park was made possible by the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority, The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors, the Lowndes County Road Department and the Sammy Lee family.
Pauline Lee, who donated the land the park is now on said, “I”m glad to be of service to the community. I was raised here and went to Concord Elementary here. There wasn”t a park when I grew up. My seven grandchildren will enjoy it and be glad it”s down here.”
“(This) solidifies what has always been a close-knit community,” said Lowndes County District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith in whose district the park lies. “This gives them an opportunity to galvanize their community and also be a safer and healthier community. This will be something they can be proud of.”
The local children appreciate the park as well. “We live right over there,” said A.J. and R.J. Daniels, ages 12 and 8, pointing down the street. “We like to play here,” said A.J. When asked if they”ll be visiting the park often, the pair nodded and smiled then continued to play basketball.
“I grew up in a park myself and it kept me out of trouble,” said Glenn Jefferson Sr., pastor of New Beginnings Full Gospel Church in Columbus, who gave the invocation. “They say idle hands are the devil”s workshop. This is a place where kids can come and fellowship in a safe place without gangs or anything to worry about.”
According to Smith, the park will continue to be improved upon. Over the next few months, he promises that locals will see trees and flowers planted, the grounds evened out and they hope to add bathrooms and water fountains.
The park is part of a $1.6 million city-county plan for upgrading and improving neighborhood parks.
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