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Pembroke Park project surpasses fundraising goal
By Scott Bigelow
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Park groundbreaking- From left: Park fund-raising chair Spencer
Howington (blue cap), County Commissioner Noah Woods, Town Councilman
Greg Cummings, Chamber volunteer Larry Brooks, Town Manager McDuffie
Cummings, Chancellor Allen C. Meadors, Mayor Milton Hunt, Dr.
Diane Jones, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, Miss UNCP Jessica
Ortiz-Carrero, Chamber Board of Directors Chair Robert Canida
and Chamber President R.D. Locklear.
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Ground was broken July 3 for the new Pembroke Town Park during the
36th annual Lumbee Homecoming.
Hundreds of people looked on from the open-air marketplace that the
park becomes during Lumbee Homecoming. Volunteers raised more than $75,000
of the $125,000 needed to transform the park, located at the entrance
of UNC Pembroke.
"I'd like to thank the Pembroke Area Chamber of Commerce and UNCP
for their fund-raising work on this project," said Pembroke Mayor
Milton Hunt. "The town looks forward to the completion of this
project."
Fund raising is ahead of schedule and should be complete by Thanksgiving,
said fund-raising coordinator Spencer Howington.
"Everyone can own a piece of the park," Howington said.
Brick "pavers" to memorialize loved ones at the new Pembroke
Park are on sale for $125 each, and the personalized bricks will pave
a walkway at a veteran's memorial. UNCP Chancellor Allen C. Meadors
encouraged the purchase of bricks.
"This park symbolizes the connection between the town, community
and the University," Chancellor Meadors said. "I already own
a substantial piece of the walkway, and I encourage you to do the same."
The largest gifts of $15,000 each came from the Town of Pembroke and
Lumbee Guarantee Bank.
Recent major contributions came from businesses and individuals: Sheff's
Seafood Restaurant, Charles Alton Maynor, Mary Doris Dial and Pembroke
Hardware, County Commissioner Noah Woods, Oxendine Tire, Dial Insurance,
Ransom Insurance, Professional Providers, First Bank and Adrene Locklear.
"This project is a great source of pride for the town, the community
and the University," said Dr. Diane Jones, UNCP's vice chancellor
for Student Affairs and Town Park project coordinator. "This is
one of the most exiting projects I have worked with between the town
and the University."
The ambitious park design includes a veteran's memorial walkway, a
history exhibit, playground equipment, wrought iron fencing, landscaping,
a water feature and bathrooms. A model of the planned park is on display
during business hours at the new Pembroke Municipal Building.
"The vision we have for this park is to make it a landmark for
this community," said Pembroke Chamber President R.D. Locklear.
"In years to come, we want people to say, 'If you go to Pembroke,
you've got to see the park.'"
Healthkeeperz and Shaw Office Supplies of Lumberton also contributed
to the pacesetter phase of the campaign, Locklear said.
Architect Mike Clark of Native American Design Services of Pembroke
is providing design services without charge, Locklear said. Katrina
Locklear of Locklear and Son Funeral Home is leading the design committee,
and Howington of Shaw Office Supplies is leading the fundraising committee.
For information about the park, please call the Town of Pembroke at
910.521.0647.
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