By Kay Whatley, Editor
Installation of the Bunn Community Park is underway, with plans to complete and open the play space prior to the school summer break.
The park is the result of four years of fundraising and planning, including an annual fundraiser, Bunn Fun Day. Since the town’s centennial celebrations in 2013, Bunn Fun Day raised funds for the park. Monies from business sponsorships from companies like multi-years sponsors C&C Farm, Arnold’s Service Station, Bunn Medical Center, Bunn Exxon added to the park fund. Then, the town was awarded a matching grant by the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF), making it possible to break ground.
According to town Commissioner Sherry Mercer,
“We have worked hard over the past four years to accomplish this milestone for the community and we are very proud, to say the least. I have always said, unity makes a strong and good community.
Back in 2013, when we held our Centennial Finality, our event staff set a goal to raise money for a community park and here we are today getting Phase 1 of our park installed.
The [PARTF] grant application process took almost a year to complete, and this past August when the Town of Bunn was awarded the matching grant, we were ready to get started.”
The fundraising volunteers / Event Team working with Commissioner Mercer include Sheila Strickland, Jamie Richardson, Brittany Lester, Tammy Boyer, & Kim Gupton.
Bunn Community Park includes swings, climbing equipment, and more. The park is located along Main Street in Bunn, North Carolina between the Town Hall and Food Lion plaza. Bunn Senior High’s baseball field is across the street from the park.
Groundbreaking took place on February 13, 2019. The park is projected to be complete by the end of April or early part of May, weather permitting. The last stage will be fencing around the play area for safety and opening a nearby parking lot finished — just in-advance of school letting out for the summer.
There are plans to hold an official opening day with a ribbon cutting by the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.
When Bunn Fun Day returns on April 27, 2019 (10am-4pm), funds raised from vendors and sponsorships will go toward a picnic area and benches planned for the end of Phase 1, with Phase 2 set for the future.
For businesses or entrepreneurs interested in participating in the 2019 Bunn Fun Day, sponsorships are still available. Time is short to sign-up for this year’s event. Multiple sponsorship levels are available. Access PDFs information via these links to the Bunn Fun Day 2019 sponsor letter and Bunn Fun Day 2019 vendor application.
Currently, 43 vendors have been confirmed. Applications are being accepted for unique vendors, as vendors are not duplicated. To be considered, forms may be submitted. If in doubt, contact Commissioner Mercer.
The Town of Bunn is online at www.townofbunn.org. Follow updates via the Facebook page, Town of Bunn est.1913.
Source: Sherry Mercer
