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Westside Park a testament to cooperation
A few months ago there was not much to see at Westside Park in Winnsboro.
Sagging bleachers and rusty, torn chain-link fences flanked the ballparks. Weeds grew on the pitchers' mounds. The swimming pool water was stagnant and green. Litter dotted the landscape.
Literally only shady, suspicious activity was taking place at the park.
Today, Westside Park is different.
The fences are shiny and new. Softball games are being played at the park amid an atmosphere of cheering parents.
The swimming pool is sparkling and the grounds are spotless.
The transformation of Westside Park should be attributed to a cooperative effort spearheaded by a local civic group, Franklin Parish Black Achievers Association.
Members of FPBAA lobbied the Franklin Parish Police Jury, Winnsboro Town Council, Winnsboro Police Department and Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office for help to revitalize the park for the community to use.
All of them—the police jury, the town council, the police department and the sheriff's office—made it a priority to help FPBAA achieve its goal of turning Westside Park from eyesore into something the community to proudly claim as its own.
The police jury helped with funding; the town chipped in some money and manpower; the police department increased patrols near the park; and the sheriff's office provided prison labor to help with the great of work it took to make the park usable again.
Meanwhile, supporters of FPBAA's efforts bought signs, uniforms and equipment.
Volunteers worked nights and weekends repairing the park and doing whatever else was needed to complete the restoration of Westside Park before the summer arrived in earnest.
Even youngsters picked up trash.
And all of the hard work among members of FPBAA has paid off.
Today, Westside Park is a place the entire parish can be proud of.
It's a prime example of what working together, sharing resources and time, can accomplish. |
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