An upcoming public hearing on a proposed playground projectrepresents an opportunity for community citizens to put words ofsupport into action.

A hearing on the Bethel AME Church park playground is scheduledfor Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the city boardroom at the governmentcomplex. The purpose of the meeting is to gauge backing for thepark project, which would be located near the church on South FirstStreet.

The park will provide needed recreational activities for notonly those in the immediate area around the church, but potentiallyanyone looking for a place to let their children play and enjoyoutside activities.

Under the proposal, a state grant could be obtained to coverapproximately 70 percent of the estimated $100,000 cost. Theremaining 30 percent, however, needs to be covered throughvolunteer labor and similar in-kind support.

Turnout at Thursday’s hearing will provide a sign on whetherthat support is sufficient to proceed further with the parkproject.

“We need folks from the community to show support …,” MayorBob Massengill said last week when discussing the hearing. “If weshow we’ve got community support, we’ll get the funding.”

Earlier this year, citizens cleared the first hurdle in the parkproject by signing applications for support. That showing wasenough to convince city and state officials to take the next stepby scheduling a public hearing.

Grant officials will now see whether support expressed in theform of applications is mirrored by in-person support in the formof attendance at Thursday’s hearing. What reflection they see willhelp determine the fate of an important park effort.