ALLCREDIT TO TOMMY BROWN AND THE PRATT HISTORY FACEBOOK PAGE
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following information was posted today along with many more photos on the Pratt History Facebook page, administered by historian Tommy Brown. Please visit their page and give it some likes and loves. There are amazing photos and stories to be found on that page!
Twenty-five years ago today….April 22, 1997 (Archive Photos today) – An estimated 1,000 Volunteers started work on Prattville’s Playground “A Child’s Place.” This was a year long planning project for three ladies with a dream and many that contributed time and money to the project.
“A Child’s Place” was built in six days April 22-27 in 1997.The Mission Playground Core Committee: General Coordinators: Sheryl Benefield, Dianne Tucker & Kathy Sheridan
Fundraising Coordinators: Leisa Lee & Alisha Evans
Volunteer Coordinator: Linda Phelps
Public Relations Coordinator: Lynne Fladung
Donated & Purchased Materials Coordinator: Todd Stephens
Tools Coordinator: Tony “Tool Man” Phelps
Food Coordinator: Nancy Strong
Special Needs Coordinator: Lori Corbin
Children’s Committee Coordinator: Suprena Butts
Childcare Coordinator: Jennifer Angerman
Steve & Chris Mays electric services.
Child’s Place Logo By: Laura Tucker and Robert Leathers & Associates of Ithaca, New York
On Site Coordinators: Mike Finn, Pierre Sassone, & Corbin Anderson
The names of Sheryl Benefield, Dianne Tucker, and Kathy Sheridan and most of the contributors are not on the giving monument. My saved last list:Tate Johnson $300; Dr. Martin Wybenga $625;Autauga/Elmore Women’s Council $200; Charles Gipson $450; Prattville Service League $650; Jon Lee Finnegan $900; W. L. Quinn $400; Gary Garris, John Owens $600; Reginald & Syble Strickland $400; Todd Stevens $425; Bobby & Inez Luckie $725; Gipson’s Auto & Tire $375; Gunter & Gerry Wendlandt $200; Nita Mears & Granny $200; Mary Lou Hardin $250; Larry Owen $300; Gene, Melanie and Ashley McDaniel $200; Virginia Howard $250; Greg Fowl $250; Bill Rupinen $200; Ed Rouze $200; Dr. Pantaleone $300; Rec Council $1,000; Coach Pat Dye $900; Alabama Power Service League $425; Columbia Northridge Hospital $900; Colonial Bank $300; Cathy Cooper $300; Regions Bank $300; Donald & Fran Sanford $200; Lambert Construction $200; The Medicine Shop $400; Pat Smith $350; Larry Puckett $250; Rotary Club $4,000; Jeff & Sheryl Benefield $300; Continental Eagle $2,000; Ronald & Janette Sniski $400; Prattville Spinners $250; Downtown Unlimited $125; Walthall family Partnership $250; Kiwanis $500; Bank Of Prattville $1,500; Kiddie College $800; Dot Paul $150; Billy Espy $150; Billy Sparks $125; Romero Trucking $1,500; Union Camp 10,000; Union Camp Local 1458 $900; Jerry & Beverly Cimis $400; Marrin Espy $300; Dianne Tucker $125;
Leisa Lee $125; Alicia Evans $125; Katy Sheridan $125; Daughter’s Hair & Nail Salon $125; Mary Pouncy $125; Angel Security $150; Lynn Fladung $125; Joe & Patricia Mathis $500; W. M. Charles Bentley $500; Dr. Harry M. Barnes & Dr. Keith A. Thompson $500; Historic Prattville Redevelopment Authority $500; City Of Prattville $45,000; Walmart Matching Grants $3,754; Senator Wendell Mitchell Grant $5,000; ADECA $5,000; Montgomery Area Community Foundation $5,000; American Health Labs $1,000; Autauga County Heritage Association $4,500; Autauga Area Community Foundation $4,500; Park Rules Signage: Continental Eagle/Vinyltech Signs $1600.
There were penny drives by Prattville school children. A group of 5th and 6th graders in the local Rec Council raised money for a handicapped access area, by car washes and various projects. The goal of $120,000.00 was met by many contributions from clubs, individuals, businesses, grants and the City of Prattville. Over 1000 volunteers the week of April 22-27 1997. This list of contributors do not reflect the hours by the many volunteers during the construction week and donated hours in planning this large event.
The Playground equipment in the park before “A Child’s Place” was bought many years ago by the Walthall Family. Can you remember that Tall Slide & the Merry Go Round?
From the EAN: Thank you to everyone that helped make this playground possible all those years ago. You gave a gift that has continued to give up to present day! And remember to go and like the Pratt History page for more awesome information such as the above. We tip our hat to Tommy Brown and his continued work to preserve and document history in Prattville and Autauga County. Thank you Tommy!
