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By Erin Smith
The Bladenboro Town Board heard concerns about McLean Park during their meeting on Monday night.
Town Commissioner Sarah Jane Benson asked Town Administrator John O’Daniel for an update regarding McLean Park.
“I was wondering what the status is of lightning out at McLean Park. Did we ever find out what we could and could not do or what was available?” asked Benson.
O’Daniel said, “I talked with Four County. I’ve given them what we are looking for and they are working on putting together a proposal.”
Benson also asked about the status of the replacement of the swings and repairs of the bleachers at Wateree Park. O’Daniel said the new swings have been installed and the town is now working towards getting the bleachers repaired.
Jerry White asked to be recognized and spoke regarding the conditions at McLean Park. “I would just like to have some discussion, if possible, of what is being done at McLean Park. I’d like to have some input into that discussion, if it pleases the board.”
Mayor Rufus Duckworth and the board agreed. O’Daniel then told those gathered he is preparing a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant application (PARTF). He said there are more meetings planned to go over the plans and to gather public input regarding whether the plans are what the citizens want for the next phase of the park.
“The concern I have and I have voiced this in a previous meeting. Not a town meeting, but another meeting,” said White. “I am concerned if you try to put lights on the facilities you have now, you may be wasting your money.”
He said he has heard complaints about the ball field. White said it is his understanding that the land where the present field is located will not perk and therefore it does not drain well when it rains.
“I understand the field is not in (good) condition as far as having debris on the infield, outfield and what not. I’ve heard coaches complain the home plate is directed north whereas most others are going south and that creates a situation where the sun, a lot of the time, is in the eyes of the fielders. I think concerns about the park now that is built need to be looked at again and really study it and see if it is going to be playable and useful,” said White.
He noted there has never been a ball game played on the field since its completion. The board took no action on the request and did not comment further.
In other business:
* O’Daniel told the board that Alex Rodriguez is a new auxiliary officer working at the Bladenboro Police Department.
* Bladen County Clerk of Superior Court Niki Dennis gave the oaths of office to Mayor Rufus Duckworth, who was joined by his wife Donna, Greg Sykes, who was joined by his wife Amanda, Rodney Hester, who was joined by his wife Tammie, and Jeff Atkinson.
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