By By KERRY WHIPPLE BEAN – Publisher
As Brewton officially graduated Tuesday from the Alabama Communities of Excellence program, Mayor Ted Jennings said he considered ACE a &#8220doorway” rather than a designation.
Those plans and visions include a wide variety of ideas - from an amphitheater at Burnt Corn Creek Park to expansion of the new youth leadership program.
ACE is a comprehensive three-phase approach to economic and community development for cities with populations between 2,000 and 12,000.
Committees made up of public officials and residents have proposed projects for areas such as quality of life, beautification, infrastructure, economic development, leadership and education.
As part of the ACE designation, the city on Tuesday received a &#8220Community of Excellence” sign and a framed certificate signed by Gov. Bob Riley. The city had earlier received a $5,000 grant as part of the designation.
Pete Diurno, who will retire next month as Brewton's director of community development, has helped lead the project for the city. &#8220One thing I learned from ACE is that you've got to think big,” he said. &#8220Brewton has a lot to offer.”
Several committees are well under way with projects and plans.
The leadership committee helped put together a youth leadership program similar to the chamber of commerce's adult leadership class. The first youth class graduated in the spring.
The quality of life committee sponsored an Earth Day cleanup campaign.
The committee also plans to make improvements to Burnt Corn Creek Park, including an amphitheater, canoe marina and skateboard area.
The tree and beautification committee has worked on keeping planters downtown watered and hopes to spearhead an effort to put a clock in the City Park.
Joe Gordy said the city and committees have been working to get Burnt Corn Creek Park connected to O'Bannon Park with a hiking and birding trail.
Diane Burnett, director of governmental services for the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission, served as team captain for Brewton's ACE campaign.