ELLERBE — At the Ellerbe Town Council meeting earlier this month, Councilwoman Heather Pack shared some exciting news with the council, including a $25,000 grant for Ellerbe Parks and Recreation.
“We’re also excited to announce that with the help of Mayor Lee Berry and state Rep. Ben Moss, Ellerbe Parks and Recreation has been awarded a $25,000 grant,” Pack said.
The grant was awarded through the N.C. General Assembly. Mayor Berry told the Journal the funding came through a member request that he and state Sen. Dave Craven submitted for improvements to Ellerbe Parks and Recreation.
“On behalf of Ellerbe Parks and Recreation, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Mayor Lee Berry and Representative Moss for their hard work and dedication in helping our program,” said Pack. “Your support is truly appreciated and will be a long-lasting impact for our community. Be sure to keep watching; there’s gonna be even more exciting improvements and opportunities to come to Ellerbe Parks & Rec in our beloved Parsons Field.”
Pack also shared that a new sound system will be installed at Parsons Field, “making game days even more enjoyable for players, families and friends.”
“As y’all can tell, Heather is over Parks & Rec. She’s been working real hard on seeing all we need to do to improve,” Berry said. “We do want to thank House Representative Ben Moss for getting us that money. I asked for $50,000; I got $25,000. I’m thankful to get that little bit.”
Councilman Jimmy Bowles said the town has received a John Deere excavator and is scheduled to receive a trailer and a leaf vacuum. He also said the town purchased a truck designated for plumbing and sewer work.
“We’re gonna outfit that truck with the equipment that it needs to do those two jobs— that’s all it’s going to be used for,” Bowles said.
Berry said he is in discussions about purchasing a new sewer jetter, saying it is something “the town really needs and we should be buying that in the next couple of weeks and start doing more maintenance on the sewer lines.”
The council also recognized recently retired Public Works Director Wendell Robinson. Berry presented Robinson with a plaque honoring his 34 years of service to the Town of Ellerbe.