By LEON HUMPHREY

CARTER COUNTY MAYOR

There is an African Proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” This proverb also brings to mind that it takes a village or in other words a community to make wonderful things happen as is the case that I would like to share with you today.
I received word from Carter County’s Parks and Recreation Board Secretary Erik Anderson this week that the Roan Mountain Community Park Pavilion is complete. I asked Mr. Anderson to share an update with us.
According to Mr. Anderson, “Approximately 18 months ago several citizens approached the Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation with an idea to build a stage/pavilion in the Roan Mountain Community Park. The concept was discussed with several community organizations and individuals. Initial estimates were that it would take at least $16,000 to buy the needed materials. The community fundraising alone would take at least two years.
“As more people became aware, a Roan Mountain community group ‘Hand to Hearts’ took on the stage as a fundraising project. They got busy selling plants and baked goods during the Saturday Farmers Market. They were the force behind a community bean dinner and musical fundraiser featuring Roan Mountain musical talent. Amazingly, by the end of the summer the community momentum had raised over $16,000.
“This past winter and spring the necessary plans and approvals were sought. The Carter County Planning Office and the Parks and Recreation Board gave advice, help and enthusiastic support. The Parks and Recreation Board also provided $3,000 which allowed composite decking for a longer lasting better stage.
“At the end of March a Tennessee Department of Corrections Carter County Annex work crew teamed with individuals from the Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation to start construction by emplacing the first of many 6×6 posts in holes dug by the Mountain Electric Corporation. Approximately 1,900 hours later the stage/pavilion was completed and Carter County and Roan Mountain now have an even better community park. Plans are underway for evening open microphone jams, Yoga, Tai Chi, music during the Saturday morning Farmers Market, and other uses.”
Ken Gough, Carter County Parks and Recreation Board Chairman, sends his congratulations to Mr. Anderson and everyone involved on the completion of this project! According to Mr. Gough, “Roan Mountain Community Park has long been an asset for the community and the entire county, and with the upcoming refurbishment of the playground, it is becoming a real jewel. The Parks & Rec Board is justly proud to play its part; but let’s be honest, the real credit belongs to Mr. Anderson and the Roan Mountain Recreation Foundation, the people with the vision of what the park can be and the drive to make it happen.”
This is a great story of how an idea and a community came together to make Carter County a better place in which to live.
Please feel free to contact me at mayor@cartercountytn.gov or by phone at 423-542-1801 if you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you. My office is located at 801 East Elk Avenue, Suite 201, located in the County Courthouse in Elizabethton. I have an open-door policy and everyone is always welcome.