RECOGNITION DINNER SET TONIGHT FOR HAWTHORNE SENIOR SQUARE

SCOTT CITY -- Volunteer work and donations helped to turn an unused piece of land into a park for senior citizens in Scott City.

The park, which was recently finished, is located in the east part of town. It has been named the Hawthorne Senior Square.

Edith Davidson, chairperson of the Scott City Community Betterment Committee, said the project started with donations from the Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club.

"After that, things really took off," she said.

Davidson estimates that 500 volunteer hours went into the project and $2,500 worth of donated materials.

The land first had to be cleared and trees trimmed. The ground was elevated, then concrete was poured and a picnic shelter was constructed. Concrete walks were next, along with park benches and flowers, and a picnic table.

Davidson said the park is being used extensively and is something the entire town can be proud of.

"There are a lot of positive things that happen here, and this is one of them," she said.

Future plans for the park include landscaping by the town's Garden Club, planting hedges and trees, construction of a shuffle board court and horse show pits, and adding another picnic table.

A recognition dinner for businesses, organizations and individuals who contributed to the project, is being held tonight at 6 p.m. at the park, and in case of rain at the Illmo Senior Center, 105 Hickory.

Davidson said in all, 19 area businesses, three city organizations and 11 individuals contributed to the project.