Group: O’Bannon bleachers need new look
Published 5:39 pm Tuesday, June 6, 2017
The newest Leadership Brewton is looking to rehab the bleachers at O’Bannon Park.
Each year, the class designates a civic project to better the Brewton community. This year’s class – which marks the 21st of the program – is looking to raise approximately $8,000 to refurbish the first set of bleachers at the park.
Class members include Lisa Cunningham, Betsy Miller, Eric Andrews, Trish Noble, Deborah George, Kenneth Varner, Stacey Holt, Richard Lynn Jr. and Leonard Stallworth.
George, also a local business owner, hopes the community and other local businesses help make the group’s goal a reality.
“Each year, the leadership group works to make their mark on the community, and this project is our way of giving back,” George said. “Those bleachers are 40 years old and have survived the floods, but they’re an eyesore.
“That area is such an asset with the ball fields and now the Outdoor Adventure business,” she said. “When you then add the Chamber of Commerce’s annual rodeo, that location helps to generate a lot of money for our town.
“It needs to look like an accurate representation of our city,” she said. “We believe by renovating those bleachers, we can make that happen.”
George said the bleachers do not meet current safety codes and require new planking, railing, fencing and more.
“Also, Bo Bell, who runs Outdoor Adventures, has agreed to donate the labor to fix the benches if we can purchase the materials,” she said.
The leadership group is asking each Brewton family to donate $1 to the cause.
“And then you would know that your money is going to a worthy cause,” she said.
If enough funds are raised, the group will tackle the second set of bleachers.
“When you drive up, it’s the first thing you see at the park – those bleachers,” she said. “We want that park to be an accurate representation of our city and show that we take pride in our city’s appearance.”
Donations can be made to the chamber’s Leadership Brewton Class No. 21 and mailed to 1010-B Douglas Ave., Brewton, AL 36426.
For more information, call chamber executive director Judy Crane at 251.8567.3224.