SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The community is invited to the ground breaking of the newest addition to the Sam W. Wright Sylacauga Grows community garden, located behind SAFE Family Services Center.
Thanks to the generosity of the Susie Parker Stringfellow 100 Year Legacy Project through the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, SAFE received an Open Spaces Sacred Places grant in the amount of $10,000
SAFE anticipates the “Mind, Body and Spirit Pathway” project will provide a beautiful natural walkway providing peace and tranquility for the community. It will be visible from Sylavon Towers and will be an area designed for reflection and enjoyment. The circular pathway will consist of several key areas including a handicap accessible walkway. The middle circle of the design will contain four “nature rooms” filled with different plants, shrubs, herbs, flowers, and trees allowing for different scents, textures, colors, etc. There will be a mix of fruits and vegetables found in the nature rooms to awaken the senses. The inner circle will contain a pizza garden that BRIDGES after-school students and volunteers will maintain.
BRIDGES is a program SAFE operates in four locations for Talladega County and City Schools, as well as Sylacauga City Schools. Students from B.B. Comer BRIDGES are within a short walking distance to the garden and will play a vital role in assisting in maintaining the area. Additionally, a destination area will be created in the upper right corner of the pathway where the Susie Parker Stringfellow legacy bench will be placed.
The surrounding area will consist of trees and fencing in order to block outside noise and distractions. The surroundings will allow visitors to feel a sense of well-being within an area surrounded by nature. Natural surroundings and decorations will include donated rocks, decorative mirrors made by BRIDGES’ students, motivational quote signs, birdbath, chimes, and a beautiful water feature.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018 beginning at 5:00 p.m. prior to the Dinner Under the Stars event in the garden. Summer Newman Earnest is the emcee of the event, while Rocky Lucas and the band NCN will provide the evening’s entertainment. NCN is a group of Comer High School students who perform regularly throughout the area. The Sylacauga Beautification Council will also present the annual beautification awards. Tickets are $20 per ticket or $150.00 for a table of 8 and are available at SAFE.
Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement, Inc. is a community-based, nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide meaningful opportunities for families, to contribute to the growth of our community, to serve others and to promote community cohesion. For more information, please contact SAFE at (256) 245-4343 or you may visit the website.
