NEWTON GROVE — Town leaders are continuing to make improvements to Weeks Park with plans for a tree removal project.
During a Tuesday meeting, the Newton Grove Board of Commissioners discussed several options to provide a safer recreation area for families and children visiting the park. Town Clerk Amanda Turner reported that 15 trees are leaning over and need to come down. The concern led to an approval of work that could cost near $7,500.
Mayor Gerald Darden said the park was closed for a day to remove a tree was because of Hurricane Florence. More trees may be damaged because of the storm as well. Assistance may come through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“We will try to get some help from FEMA for that, if we can,” Darden said.
According to officials FEMA reimbursements will be provided if trees are leaning far enough from the ground. Commissioner Cody Smith requested a certified arborist to offer guidance before documents are sent to government officials.
But in the meantime, safety will remain a priority for commissioners.
“If any of them are detrimental to the safety of children, they need to go ahead and come down,” Smith said.
Board Commissioner Gary Mac Herring pushed for the approval to go forward. With plenty of
” I’d rather be safe than sorry,” Herring said about the tree removal. “It’s a lot of them out there and I don’t think it’s going to be detriment to the park.”
Holiday traditions continue
The Circle of Lights is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26. It began in 1998 as way to remember loved ones and to kickoff the the Christmas season. Community members with loved ones they would like to remember may contact town hall at 910-594-0827.
Several days later, the town will host its annual Christmas Parade, which is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Saturday Dec. 1.
Entry forms for the parade are due no later than Tuesday, Nov. 27, and may accessed online at www.bit.ly/2qP41uR or www.newtongrove.net. Commercial float entry forms are available at www.bit.ly/2K4uEFc.