Inman, SC Official City Web Site.

The Story - Harlan and Annie Sealy approached the City of Inman over two years ago to discuss turning a vacant lot they have into a small community park. The lot is located at the top corner of Buice and Culp Streets. At the time, the City didn't have the extra funds available, so they put the project on hold until a grant could be found.

Ms. Bessie Fisher, Planning and Zoning Board Member, took on the project as a way to bring the community together and have another small park available for children who could not walk or drive to Mathis Park, located on the north end of the city, with added danger of vehicle traffic.

After many months of continuously looking for, and talking with, various persons associated with grants, Bessie Fisher came across an "Active Living" grant facilitated by the Mary Black Foundation. The terms of the grant stipulate that the Grantee must be either a local government, or a not-for-profit organization. The grant was completed and submitted on August 30, 2007, for review. Within ninety days, the City received word from the Mary Black Foundation that a grant for $10,000 was awarded - the amount that was requested.

After a number of months of meeting with the Sealy's regarding what they required of the land, a lease agreement was signed on April 17, 2008, for a period of ten years, commencing April 25, 2008, and ending April 25, 2018. Ms. Fisher then got started on finding equipment for the park and purchased a large swing set, one park bench, and two picnic tables. The City has received bids on grading the lot, pouring two cement pads for the picnic tables, adding a fence, playground curbing, and mulch/grass seed to beautify the park once finished.

On June 19, 2008, work began on grading the lot. Grading has begun. The fence company the City is using is three months behind schedule, but should have the fence up no later than mid-August 2008; and the City is hoping to "officially" open the park in late August 2008, or early September 2008.

The City of Inman thanks Harlan and Annie Sealy for leasing the land, Bessie Fisher for all of the hard work and time she has put into this project, the Mayor and Council Members for approving this agreement, the Mary Black Foundation for giving the City the grant money, Mandy Shaw, Assistant City Clerk for obtaining the quotes for equipment and establishing a timeline for work progress. Also, thanks go to Robin Henderson, City Clerk for assisting with all the financials regarding this project.

This NEWS Section will present photos showing the ongoing construction progress of the park.

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