City plants 46 trees thanks to PalmettoPride Grant
Fun in the sun may be a popular turn of phrase, but, in South Carolina heat, shade can be just as fun. To provide more shade, the City of Darlington installed 46 new trees on Thursday at the ball field on Old Florence Road as part of a plan to improve that recreational facility.
“These trees are part of a bigger picture,” said Lisa Chalian-Rock, city planning director.
Playground equipment and picnic shelters will be added in the next year. The trees from this grant will make the playground more pleasant for residents and enhance the facility, so it will be more frequently used. The site currently includes a ball field, dugouts, concessions, and restrooms but almost no shade.
A local business, Darlington Raceway, donated playground equipment to the City of Darlington to create another place for children to play, as there are only two playgrounds in town not associated with a school. This equipment will be installed at the field – often referred to as the “Sixth Street Field” – along with picnic shelters that the City will purchase.
“We are grateful to have great corporate partners like Darlington Raceway,” Rock said.
This project allows the City to continue to build the southeast Darlington neighborhood, where only one other recreational area exists, Wells Park, a small green space with trees and tables that cannot accommodate a playground due to its proximity to the railroad crossing. The City has invested close to $1 million improving the southeast Darlington neighborhoods with water, sewer, and storm water work through Community Development Block Grant funding in the last few years.
“Residents have asked for more recreational opportunities in that area of town too, and this grant will allow us to capitalize on a local business’ generosity coupled with our own funds to fully develop this park,” Rock said.
The 32 Crape Myrtles, seven Sawtooth Oaks, and seven Willow Oaks now line the interior of the property. The selection of intermingling Crape Myrtles between the oak trees will give a visual line, color, and some shade while the oaks are still small.
PalmettoPride, in conjunction with the S.C. Department of Corrections Nursery Operations, provided the trees. Through its annual grant program, PalmettoPride donated more 2,000 trees to be used in beautification projects around the state this year. All trees are 3-6 feet in height and 1-1 ½ inch in diameter.
PalmettoPride is a legislative initiative created to fight litter and help beautify South Carolina. Founded by State Senator David Thomas, PalmettoPride is a non-profit, 501(c) 3 organization that is a true public/private partnership comprised of state agencies, concerned citizens, corporate sponsors, and community and civic organizations with the stated goal of encouraging “behavioral change” in our citizens about litter.
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Side note for cutlines: The City of Darlington has maintained participation in the Tree City USA program for 17 continuous years.