Community News

ELK HELP: Commissioners thank lodge for playground donation

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 6, 2023

Henderson County commissioners presented the Elks Lodge 1616 with a photo of the Historic Courthouse as a thank you for work Elks did on behalf of the new inclusive playground at Jackson Park.

“They’re responsible for raising more than $150,000 toward our new playground,” County Commission Chair Rebecca McCall said of the lodge members. Elks helped build the fence, designed sidewalks and “spent hours trying to make the grading work cheaper and more workable. Along with Donnie Jones, who is in charge Special Needs Sports, they have made the dream a reality.”

Elks Exalted Ruler Connie Stewart, who accepted the gift, credited the county manager for inspiring the Elks lodge to get on board. “John Mitchell asked to meet with me and Tommy Laughter to come to lunch,” she said, and told them, “I want the Elks to get behind the all-inclusive playground so the players when they get out of Special Needs baseball — they can ask their moms if they can go to the playground and play like the other kids.”