Grant adds free gym, studio to list of new amenities at Polk Park – Mississippi’s Best Community Journal

VIDALIA, La. – A free exercise court is now on the list of amenities to be added to William T. Polk Park during expansion and the City of Vidalia’s hydroelectric project.

Loran Scott presented the plan at a Vidalia Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday and said the grant will pay part of the cost as part of the National Fitness Campaign, which supports the creation of thousands of similar councils in cities across the country. width.

He said the city would have to pay $165,000 for the gym, and the grant covers $35,000.

Included with the court is a QR code to download a free mobile app that provides information on court-using exercise routines that work for any age or fitness level.

There would also be an art wall with Vidalia for a custom mural and an open stage for group dances or lectures.

Mayor Buz Craft said the Vidalia Board of Aldermen approved $1.6 million last year for the Polk Parks expansion from the hydro royalty fund, and this council will be a small part of that.

“It’s a great thing to add to the playground, the float, and all the things we’re doing at Polk Park,” he said.

The Board of Aldermen approved a resolution Tuesday to accept the grant.

Scott said the National Fitness Campaign will direct the funding for the entire project, apart from its foundation.

“They will be providing all the equipment; they send it here and install it, and cover the press and cut the ribbon and everything that goes with that,” he said.

Watch the video below to learn more about the National Fitness Campaign councils.

In other news, the Vidalia Board of Aldermen approved a $150,000 water fund to support an after-school tutoring program run by the Concord Youth Group. The board also approved this money last year for the tutoring program after the Concord Youth Group recommended it, but after Craft asked the Concordia Parish School Board to get the school board involved.” it took it and ran with it.” The school board held a tutoring session without the union involved “and it’s my fault,” Craft said.

Aldermen also approved the purchase of a bucket truck for $238,072 after receiving only one bid from Altec. Although it was the only request, Cornell Lewis, director of services, said the request is good, with “inflation through the roof.”

Aldermen also agreed to renegotiate the local agreement with the City of Ferriday to use the Vidalia Knuckle Boom Truck for the city’s cleanup efforts. Aldermen had already approved allowing the city to use two trucks and workers for one day for $1,500 at the last board meeting, but it was returned to the board because Ferriday “couldn’t afford it.” ,” Craft said. Alderman Tommy Probst was the lone vote against Alderman Tron McCoy’s motion to allow the mayor to negotiate a new contract with Ferriday, saying he thought $750 for one truck was a “good choice.”

After the public hearing portion of the meeting, attendees did not comment, so the aldermen approved three changes to the laws, including two changes to Ordinance No. 692 to fix compensation of municipal clerk and Board of Aldermen.

As raises were approved for city employees in previous meetings, aldermen approved raising the clerk’s salary to $62,500 and the aldermen’s salary to $1,000 from $700 per month. However, the flow of aldermen depends on their attendance at regular board meetings.

A local emergency declaration in anticipation of Tropical Storm Francine has also been approved following a Louisiana state emergency declaration. This allows Mayor Buz Craft to authorize emergency purchases to help clean up and recover during the storm.