Photo by Brett Thacker
Community centers like this one at Kimper are being constructed throughout the county using Coal Severance Tax funds.
One center is being constructed in Kimper, with centers to follow in Mouthcard and Dorton. These area projects were made possible by revenue generated by the coal severance tax along with county funds, reported a press release from Pike fiscal court.
“Community Centers are a great asset to our people,” Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford said. “They bring people together in their own communities — community enhancement starts there. Coal severance tax is generated in these communities and should be spent there.”
District 5 magistrate Hilman Dotson said the center at Kimper is nearing completion.
“We are 90 percent completed,” Dotson said. “It should be open within the next two months at the most.”
The Kimper Community Center will operate in dual capacity, acting as a senior citizens center as well as being available to the community.
District 3 magistrate Leo Murphy expects ground to be broken for the Mouthcard Community Center soon.
“We are trying to ensure every area of the county has a center to use, especially senior citizens, and revenue generated from the coal severance tax is the most economical way to do that,” said District 31 Senator Ray S. Jones. “Our plan is to use the coal severance tax to improve the quality of lives of the people and the families of the people who mine the coal, and that’s what we are doing with the community centers.”
Also slated for the near future are community centers in Greasy Creek and Dorton. Ground breaking will be announced soon for a park at Greasy Creek according to District 4 magistrate Kenneth Robinson, and District 2 magistrate Chick Johnson says the Dorton/Caney Community Center should be having its ground breaking soon.
The county plans to begin with just a picnic area and playground on the property in Greasy Creek at this stage.
Pike County Parks and Recreation Director Jarrod Hunt said the community centers at Open Fork, Grant’s Branch, Ashcamp and Blackberry are well-used and continue to be well-maintained and in good shape.
“People in these communities are taking advantage of these county facilities,” Hunt said.
Post a Comment
