WALNUT – The Town of Walnut is asking that those willing to lend hand tools to help with construction of the town’s Kids Park next month come by the Walnut Park pavilion Saturday, May 22, from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“Construction of the park is scheduled for June 16-20. The materials will be supplied, but we’ll need volunteer labor and tools.

“We’re asking anyone having hand tools such as cordless drills and hammers to come by the pavilion on Saturday and let us know what they’ll be willing to donate for use in the construction.

“All tools will be insured and returned in the same condition they were received. All help will be greatly appreciated,” Mayor Vicki Skinner said Monday.

The park will be similar to Kidz World in Ripley and located next to the Walnut Swimming Pool.

Construction of the park is being financed by a combination of a $100,000 CDBG self-help grant through the State of Mississippi, and donations from area citizens. About $50,000 will be needed beyond the grant for construction of the facility. At least half of that amount can be in-kind funds – donations and volunteer labor.

Those wishing to make a donation toward construction of the park can do so into a special account at the Peoples Bank--c/o Walnut Playground, P.O. Box 38 Walnut, MS 38663.

The more money the community raises in donation, the more facilities can be constructed at the park, town officials have said.

Although the basic plan of the park is set, several peripheral options that could be included, depending on how much money is raised, include:

--A walking track around the facility, “so parents can whittle away their time as their kids play in the park.”

--Expanding the pavilion.

--Adding bathrooms.

--Lighting the new tennis courts.

--Converting the old tennis courts to basketball courts.