Nichols Park could be getting a new look through the efforts of an organization that had never heard of the recreational site a few short weeks before.
park union 1The Union Sportsmens Alliance is a group of trade union members who volunteer their time and skills to work on parks, wildlife habitats and outdoor facilities.
Eight members were in Henryetta Thursday to look over the park and assess its needs.
That visit stemmed from a conversation union member Joshua Craig had with Oklahoma Building and Construction Trades Council director Jimmy Fish. “We became intrigued by it and want to see if we can contribute anything for the citizens of Henryetta and people of the state,” Fish said.
Craig has spent some ten years establishing a disc golf course at the park. Originally that featured nine “holes” but now has expanded to over 27 circling the entire park area.
Nichols Park Restoration Project organizer Vernon Britt met the alliance members at city hall and, along with mayor Jennifer Clason and public works director Ron Casey spent several hours showing the group the various structures and facilities at the park.
“Since they are sportsmen, the first item on the agenda was the dilapidated wood fishing dock,” said Britt. “We talked about how to remove the existing structure and replace it with a floating facility. He said “they pretty much let us know they would be replacing that dock.” That would be making it a floating facility and even wheelchair accessible. park union 2
The group toured the old bathhouse facility and swim beach. “This area is kind of the focal point and represents the park,” Britt said.
The eight Alliance members were told about the city’s efforts reclaiming the beach and how it has since turned into a gathering place for families for swimming and picnics.
Issues with graffiti and repairs to the shelter houses were discussed as well as the possibility of replacing destroyed picnic tables with rock tables and benches using existing native stones.
They mentioned several times how much fun this would be. They see the potential for the park and they want to be a part of it,” Britt added.
He said no time table was set for the start of the project.
I feel it is going to happen fairly quickly. “They have to get a proposal for a budget and take it to their committees.”
park union 3Even with that group involved, Britt said there would need to be some local volunteers to help as well. He would be seeking help for 20 to 25 people to help.
The Union Sportsmens Alliance started some ten years ago. It is composed of various unions and members that donate their time and talents to do hands-on projects. Between 2010 and 2016, the organization has completed 88 projects nationwide.