Sampson Community College is known for its contribution to residents of Clinton in everything between early college to college transfer, from producing police officers and EMS workers to training employees of companies in the region.
Now, SCC’s welding department wanted to do something nice for the city’s furry residents as well.
The creation of the city’s beautiful new dog park on Fisher Drive included the demolition of existing fencing and the installation of new fencing, stone walls, trees, a sign, pet waste station and an entryway that includes a concrete landing. But one thing was missing.
Lisa Turlington, executive director of SCC’s Foundation, had an idea and brought SCC together with the City of Clinton to help decorate the park. The welding department was asked to create works of art to spruce up the park.
Clinton City Councilman Steve Stefanovich, who also serves as a foundation director and sponsor of the park, was amazed to see the finished product. “When I asked the SCC welding program to be a partner in the GO BarkPark, I had no idea of the creativity nor incredible quality they would produce,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough.”
The welding sculptures of dogs makes the park a very distinguished, nice-looking, fun facility, something to make it more than just a fenced enclosure.
Foundation President Dr. Paul Viser helped arrange the joint project.
“During my visit to the park yesterday, I admired the playful dog profiles arranged throughout the space. These larger-than-life steel structures were made by the talented welding students at the college,” said Viser. “We at the SCC Foundation are grateful for their role in this project. The welding program has always been an important part of the curriculum.”
Just last week, it was announced that the college’s recent Economic Development Administration grant of $1.7 million will fund construction of a brand new welding and machine shop. This will create a huge upgrade to SCC facilities.
For more information about welding classes at SCC, call 910-592-8081.