GARLAND — Town leaders have a vision to build a park for residents and it is starting to become more clear.

During a meeting for the Garland Board of Commissioners, member Judy Smith presented an update on plans for the park. Deno McLamb, a safety, compliance and construction official for Sampson County Schools, provided Smith with the tentative drawing. McLamb is also a certified playground equipment inspector.

The layout featured a walking track, basketball court and swing sets. To provide equipment for children to play on, commissioners agreed to use playground equipment from the former Head Start program. More than $4,000 was approved to have it refurbished during a previous meeting.

“Everything has been removed from the old area now, except for one piece,” Smith said.

The diagram featured equipment such as a tricycle go-round and other places for children to play. Smith said the items will be shipped soon for painting.

“All of that is underway and within the next month or two we should see it painted and re-installed back over there,” Smith said.

Next, Smith would like to start raising funds for the project. Another step is to put up a marquee. The park is being named after Curtis Cain, a commissioner and former businessman. His daughter, Connie Cain Rackley, donated the 1.39 acres on South Bladen Avenue, near the post office.

So far, the estimate of the park is between $10,000 and $12,000. An official completion date has not been announced.

Board reorganizes

Appointments and responsibilities were assigned to commissioners Tuesday evening. Like many small towns, Garland does not have the funds to hire a city manger or other employees to handle tasks throughout town.

“There’s so much to be done with each committee,” Mayor Winifred Murphy said.

Mayor Pro-Tem Haywood Johnson and Commissioner Ralph Smith were selected for the safety committee. Some of their duties will include starting a new police force.

“One of the main focuses is safety with starting this police force and interviewing,” Murphy said about selecting a new candidate. “Even after we get one, there’s got to be someone that the police chief can go to.”

Street maintenance duties will be handled by Commissioner S.J. Smith with assistance from Commissioner Judy C. Smith. Judy Smith will also chair the parks and recreation committee, with assistance from Carolyn Melvin.

The Public Works Department, which handles water, sewer and garbage, will be overseen by Commissioner Ralph Smith and with assistance by Johnson.

Maintenance for buildings will be handled by Melvin, with help from S.J. Smith.

All commissioners were assigned to the financial and administrative duties.

Commissioner Judy Smith makes a presentation about the upcoming park in downtown Garland.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_Garland-Board.jpgCommissioner Judy Smith makes a presentation about the upcoming park in downtown Garland.

By Chase Jordan

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Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.