This past Saturday F2W lead a group of volunteers to help restore Morningside Park. Located off South Fant Street in Anderson, the park had become over-run with trees, shrubs, and brush. The once flowing creek that runs through the park had become clogged with trash and debris. Trash and litter were scattered everywhere. Basically the park was a sad sight. In fact residents no longer used the park out of concerns for their and their children’s safety. Apparently the park had become a haven for criminal activity due to the seclusion the overgrowth provided. These dedicated volunteers braved the morning rain and banded together to help take back a community park. It was awesome to see the Morningside residents come out and work side by side with F2W volunteers. One of these residents, a 70 year old woman, worked all day because she wanted to see her park used again! The Morningside community even provided a great home-cooked lunch to all the volunteers. By days end, volunteers had cleared over half the park of debris and underlying brush, cleaned out the stream, picked up trash, and landscaped an entranceway into the park. Simply awesome! But what I found more important was seeing groups of people from different religions, races, and regions come together as one body to accomplish something great. There is something for us to learn in that! More on this project to come, so check back! I wish to thank: the Morningside Community Association-JB Scott & Virginia Robins, Anderson County-Wayne Proctor, Anderson County Council-Gracie Floyd, and all the volunteers who gave their time and hard work. – Ike Boyette |
