COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS SPARK REVITALIZATION OF PARK ADJACENT TO UPSHUR COUNTY LIBRARY
GILMER — The green space adjacent to the Upshur County Library is getting a much-needed second chapter thanks to a coordinated volunteer effort aimed at turning an underutilized local asset into a vibrant community gathering place.
On Saturday, July 11, the Friends of the Upshur County Library kicked off the first phase of their park restoration initiative with a large-scale community cleanup and workday. A turnout of 32 volunteers logged over 60 cumulative hours clearing clutter, manicuring landscaping, and preparing the park for future improvements, with younger siblings joining in to lend a hand.
Work accomplished during the weekend session included removing worn-out weed barriers and old landscape edging, along with light tree pruning and shrub trimming across the grounds.
The workday highlighted a joint effort among several area civic and youth organizations. Alongside the Friends of the Library, participants included members of The Lions Club of Gilmer and the local Leo Club, the young adult branch of the Lions organization. Lions Club members Mikki Smith and Kellie Smith, who also recently joined the Friends of the Library, led project efforts for the Lions. Kellie Smith serves as the local Leo Advisor as well as the Lions District 2-X2 Leo Advisor.
Boy Scout Troop #314 also fielded a strong delegation of youth volunteers under the leadership of Scoutmaster Eric Koch. Following the morning of hard labor, the Lions Club provided lunch for all participating volunteers.
A feature coming soon to the park was also unveiled during the event. Lion Amber Roach brought out a refurbished “Little Free Library” currently nearing completion. Painted a distinct barn red, the structure will be permanently installed inside the park gazebo once finished, allowing visitors of all ages to pick up a book or leave one for fellow community readers.
Organizers emphasize that Saturday’s workday represents just the beginning of a multi-stage project to revitalize the library-adjacent park, encouraging residents to keep an eye on the location as improvements continue.
Community members interested in volunteering or contributing financially to the park restoration project can contact the Friends of the Upshur County Library via email at friendsoucl@gmail.com, through their official Facebook page (Friends of the Upshur County Library), or by phone at (903) 841-6226.
The Friends group also invites the public to attend its monthly planning meetings, held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Upshur County Library Conference Room.