The Grovemont park and playground has been a beehive of activity over the past several weeks, as hordes of volunteers built new walkways and planting beds, restored existing paths, repaired playground equipment, and moved mountains of mulch. The playground, adjacent to the Swannanoa Library, was constructed in 1999-2000 through a major fundraising and volunteer labor effort involving scores of Swannanoa residents. After 16+ years of service to Swannanoa Valley families, the park and playground were in need of some tender loving care.
Volunteer groups from Owen High School, Community High School and Boy Scout Troop 42 put in countless hours of labor, undeterred by the sometimes inhospitable weather (think cold and snow!). Those students, with the help of many dedicated volunteers, and the guidance of project coordinator Bill Bauman, have given new life to the playground. If you haven’t seen the improvements, stop by soon to check it out!
Numerous area businesses supported the park makeover with generous time and donations, including Marshall Garland – Landscape Contractor (removed existing composted playground mulch), Grove Stone & Sand (donated gravel screenings), Ogle Trucking & Excavation (removed and transported concrete, mulch and soil), and Ace Hardware and Town Hardware (provided discounted materials). Other businesses chipped in to provide free food for hungry volunteers, including Okie Dokies Smokehouse, Dunkin’ Donuts, The Social Pizzeria, La Bamba Burrito Express, and Mellow Mushroom. The playground makeover, which was coordinated by the Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council, was also supported by a generous grant from Buncombe County Parks & Recreation. This was truly a community effort, and thanks are extended to all those who supported the park’s restoration.
Although incredible progress has already been made, there’s more work yet to be done. If you weren’t able to pitch in yet, it’s not too late! The next work day, coordinated by volunteers from Keller Williams Realty, will take place on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For info about the park and playground project, visit the Grovemont Park website at www.GrovemontPark.org. If you’re interested in making a financial contribution, please send a check to Swannanoa Community Council, PO Box 1008, Swannanoa, NC, and write “Playground Project” in the memo line.
The Community Works When We Work Together!
