Helping Enhance the Gleason Community Through Clay:
From its beginning, in June 2014, the focus of the Gleason Downtown Revitalization Committee has been on the enhancement of downtown Gleason and the surrounding area - including both City Parks.
During the past year the Downtown Revitalization initiative has been involved in several beautification projects that have focused specifically on downtown Gleason. These projects have included the painting of fire hydrants and planting flowers at various locations throughout the downtown area.
Perhaps the largest downtown revitalization project undertaken by members of the Revitalization Committee has been the recent painting of the J & P Car Care building at the corner of Cedar and Main streets. This service station has a long history going back at least to the early 1950's and represents one of downtown Gleason's most notable landmarks. This downtown enhancement effort provides visitors entering the downtown area with the most positive view of downtown Gleason possible.
As a result of having a successful year of funding, resulting from hosting several park events and community calendar sales, other projects have also taken shape. One such project has been an attempt to enhance Huggins Park after several years of neglect.
Here, flowers, trees, and a herb garden have been planted. And, a Disc Golf course has been developed for all to enjoy. The Revitalization Committee has already hosted an initial disc golf tournament - which had a very good turnout.
In terms of structural modifications at the park, two lengthy sections of rusty chain link fence were recently removed which had previously posed potential safety concerns and been aesthetically unappealing.
Upon removing this section of fence it was determined that the old fence should be replaced by a new vinyl fence to separate the park area itself from the driveway and parking area adjacent to the park.
Given the cost of this fence, we were very fortunate that Imerys Ceramics graciously volunteered to serve in the role of Corporate Supporter, by providing the funds necessary for the purchase of the needed 190 foot section of white vinyl fence.
This new fence for Huggins Park was formerly dedicated on Wednesday July 29, 2015, with members of the Gleason Downtown Revitalization Committee and a number of representatives from Imerys Ceramics being present.
Charles Anderson, President of the Gleason Downtown Revitalization Program, receives a check in the amount of $1,500 dollars from Brent Eugley of Imerys North America Ceramics (formerly KT Clay Co.) for the new vinyl fence at Huggins Park.
Left Side: Imerys Ceramics Representatives:
Front Row: Left to Right: Kim Montgomery - Ball Clay Lab Technician; Katy Lucas (dark green shirt/brown pants) - Geologist
Back Row: Left to Right: Stacy Collins - Ball Clay Technician; Cruz Legens - Ball Clay Lab Technician; Eric Duke (white shirt) Production Supervisor; Kerry Arnold -(EHS) - Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Brent Eugley (with check) - Environmental Coordinator; James Jarrett (right side with bright yellow shirt) - Ball Clay Quality Control Manager/Product Development Coordinator.
Right Side: Revitalization Committee Representatives:
Left to Right: Mayor Diane Poole (behind fence) , Charles Anderson-President (receiving check), Rose Anderson, Gary Doster, James Jarrett (Imerys Representative), Chief Jeff Hazelwood, Doris Owen-Treasurer, Jim Johnson and Matt Cady.
The entire city of Gleason would like to say Thank You to Imerys Ceramics for their very generous donation to cover the cost of this beautiful new white vinyl fence at Huggins Park
Individual and corporate sponsor donations are greatly appreciated as we move forward into the year, and make plans for 2016.
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