Lloyd Park Ribbon Cutting
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The threat of rain could not dampen the excitement on Monday evening as folks gathered for the ribbon cutting at Lloyd Park in Elizabethtown. The park is named in honor of long-time Elizabethtown Mayor Pro-tempore Rufus Lloyd.
Lloyd is a retired Bladen County educator and has served on the Elizabethtown Town Council since being appointed in 1991 and has also served on the Elizabethtown Planning Board for 35 years. He has served as Mayor Pro-tempore for 10 years.
The town received a grant from the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for improvements to Leinwand Park the second phase of those improvements included the development of Lloyd Park. The park was dedicated with a ribbon cutting on Monday evening.
“This is a real testament to Mr. Lloyd and how much we love him. I want to tell you how on behalf of the town of Elizabethtown, how excited and how honored we are to be able to name this new park after one of our town members, board members and what a great friend to the town Rufus Lloyd is,” said Mayor Sylvia Campbell.
Town Manager Eddie Madden read a letter submitted by NC Rep. William Brisson who was unable to attend the meeting. Town Council members Ricky Leinwand, Herman Lewis and Dicky Glenn addressed Lloyd and those present.
Town Councilman Dicky Glenn said he has known Lloyd for a number of years as his wife, Tommie Glenn, taught school at Bladen Middle School and Lloyd was serving as an administrator. “He is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I’m glad I know him,” said Glenn.
Town Councilman Herman Lewis said he has worked with Lloyd in the Bladen County Schools as a teacher and as an administrator. “It’s been a pleasure to know him. We’ve traveled together to our conventions and we’ve shared a lot together. Mr. Lloyd, this is your day,” said Lewis.
Town Councilman Ricky Leinwand said, “I think My Dad would be proud to have the park right beside his. When he was Mayor, he always said Mr. Lloyd was the glue in this town.” Leinwand added he has known Lloyd for a number of years.
When asked about what the dedication of Lloyd Park means to him, Lloyd replied, “Oh my gracious, it’s just a great honor. Most importantly, when you make achievements in life it’s not always about you. It’s about the people you’re helping to reach goals, particularly those goals and objectives that you have previously set.”
He added he appreciates the town manager, the mayor, the staff, Public Works and all of those who are employed by the town of Elizabethtown that worked to make Monday’s event possible. “It’s a great day of my life,” he said.
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