McClave Enjoys New Park/Pavilion Improvements

McClave residents turned out this past Thursday, August 22, to enjoy their ice cream social at the park and make use of the new pavilion and playground improvements in the community.  GoCO funds, along with matching funds from Bent County and the Bent County Recreation District, financed the $161,377 project.  Numerous local contractors were brought on board for much of the construction which occurred through the winter and spring.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held this past January attended by local Bent County civic leaders, Chana Reed from GoCO, local contractors and Kathy Finau, the project’s grant writer from KSF Strategic Services.  The funds provided for construction of a 30 by 60 foot pavilion in the park with restrooms, upgrades for the basketball court, new lighting, BBQ grills and new playground equipment.

Bent County Commissioner, Lyndon Gill, thanked the community for its involvement in getting the work done for the park, and Chana Reed and Kathy Finau for their efforts in helping fund the project.  Contractor Mark Carrigan expressed his appreciation on behalf of the other local contractors who worked on the project.  McClave School Superintendent, Terry Weber, also welcomed the families to the evening event and recognized several of the new school teachers for the 2013-14 school year, as well as highlighting the accomplishments of retired teacher, Jill Smith for her years of service to the McClave students.  County commissioners Bill Long and Tom Wallace were also in attendance for the event.

By Russ Baldwin