WALNUT - Wednesday, Ashley Furniture and The Peoples Bank each donated $25,000 to complete Phase II of the Walnut Kidz Town project. The money will go toward adding a second pavilion and two bathrooms to property located next to the Walnut Pool.

“This is phase two of our project--adding a pavilion and bathrooms-- that began with the building of Kidz Town. We hope to get this done and hopefully add a walking track as phase three,” said Walnut Mayor Vicki Skinner.

Peoples Bank President Bobby Martin, who grew up and went to school in the Walnut area, spoke during the presentation. He said the bank was thrilled to learn that Ashley Furniture would match their donation.

“This is a good partnership,” said Martin, “and it tells what Ashley thinks about this community.” Ashley Furniture VP of Operations Brent Koslo spoke about his company’s commitment to being a “proactive” member of their community.

“We feel very strongly about being proactive and giving back to the communities that we do business with,” Koslo said. “We can’t think of a better opportunity to give back to an organization with such a good safe environment for children and their families to come and play.

“To see everyone come together as a community to help erect this is fantastic and we are very proud of the opportunity,” he said.