Logan County Board awarded $50,000 for improvements to Latham and Scully parks

 

[October 16, 2020] 

The people of Logan County in general and the children in particular will soon be the beneficiaries of significant improvements to our two downtown Lincoln parks.
Recently the County Board Chairman, Emily Davenport, was notified that Algonquin Power, which owns the Sugar Creek Wind Farm and APEX Clean Energy which is developing a solar farm in Broadwell Township, have combined resources to make a
$50,000 donation to Latham and Scully Parks.

The fountain in Scully Park, for years an urban showpiece but presently inoperable, will experience upgrades to its plumbing and electrical operations as well as its foundation.

New playground equipment will be installed at Latham Park to create a safe and stimulating recreation experience for kids.

Adults will not be left out either. The bandstand in Latham Park will be improved so summer concerts, seasonal events and special occasions can be celebrated in comfort and style as they were years ago. Lighting will be modernized and landscape architecture including tree trimming and selective replacement will be put into practice.

It is worthy of noting that the origin of this donation began several years ago as a result of conversations between officials of these renewable energy concerns and then Building & Grounds Chairman Kevin Bateman and the late Chuck Ruben, the immediate past Chairman of the Logan County Board.

Both gentlemen were passionate about the preservation of these two parks and the quality of life they could provide for our citizens. Without their initiative, the follow up of the present Building & Grounds Chairman Dave Blankenship and Logan County Board Chairman Emily Davenport, and the sensitivity and responsiveness of Algonquins' and APEXs' field teams this philanthropic act could not have occurred.

In an email from September, Chairman Davenport was prolific in her praise and gratitude for this most generous donation adding, "I know the public will be very happy and thankful to have two beautiful parks to enjoy."

It is also worth noting that both Algonquin and APEX have previously made strategic donations to worthy organizations in need, even during the recent pandemic. These actions are highly reflective of the core values of these two companies, the renewable energy industry and the individuals who represent their interests in a local level on our community.

A grand "reopening" of Latham and Scully Parks will be planned for 2021.

[Kati Newman
Administrative Assistant
Logan County Board]