Park Board outlines fundraising events for revitalization; city reports $1,000 CCMH donations

Natalie Fergason, representing the Park Board, spoke during public comment at the Norborne Board of Aldermen meeting on July 14 about the Park Revitalization project and a slate of community events and fundraisers designed to support it.

Fergason outlined planned activities intended to raise money and community engagement: a New Year’s Eve party, a family night at the park in August, a 50/50 raffle and a bench auction scheduled for the Soybean Festival. The Park Board is using the events both to raise funds for park improvements and to drive community involvement ahead of planned installations such as new benches and cameras.

Mayor Jacob DeMint reported additional support for park efforts and city communications: he said CCMH donated $1,000 to the Park Board and another $1,000 for the city’s textcaster system to help notify residents about events and alerts. The minutes do not list formal grant agreements or conditions attached to those donations.

The Park Board’s fundraising and the city’s reported donations come as the city continues preparations for the Soybean Festival and other community events; Public Works Supervisor Joey Bates told the board crews are completing bench concrete work and preparing public spaces for festival activities.

No formal vote was required for the Park Board’s presentation; the board recorded Fergason’s remarks and continued with routine business.