Staff Writer

Jan. 18, 2000 10 PM

BRUNDIDGE – Brundidge City Council unanimously decided at its meeting here Tuesday to proceed with plans to construct a park near the R.E. Bard Nutrition Center.

They held a ground breaking for the senior complex before the meeting, and it should be completed within the next six months.

The idea for the park came from the Brundidge Business Association (BBA), whose members would like to give travelers a reason to leave U.S. Highway 231 and drive into town, said City Manager Britt Thomas.

Council approved appointment of two of its members – Arthur Griffin and Cynthia Pearson – to join Thomas and the BBA in planning the park. BBA members are Jimmy Hollis, Rue Botts, Judy Carter and Delatha Mobley.

"Their purpose for having the park is getting people to their shops," Thomas said. "They asked us to see what could be done, what is affordable and what the city council will allow.

"The park would have to be on public property."

BBA proposed two sites for the park – the senior complex, which will be built across from the post office on Main street, and an area closer to the Bass House.

The senior complex was selected as the park site because it will have plenty of parking and restrooms, Thomas said.

A second site for the park would be closer to the Bass House, but lack of parking and public restrooms would be a problem there.

Thomas emphasized the project is still in the planning stages.

"The BBA would do some type of advertising to get people off the highway," he said. "That might involve offering tourists free water."

The city’s water is a draw because it is naturally fluoridated.

"This would be a comfort station with parking and restrooms where people could rest and shop while taking a break from driving," he said.

Council also approved its minutes from the Jan. 4 meeting.

The next meeting of Brundidge City Council will be Feb.1 at 4 p.m. at the Bass House.