WALNUT — Mayor Vicki Skinner’s tears spoke volumes as she tried to compose herself enough to give opening remarks June 20th at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of the Town of Walnut’s Kids Town. The project, which began 11 months ago as an idea, was finally a reality—a suitable park where youth could have fun and be safe.

Her voice trembled as she asked everyone that participated in the five-day volunteer construction to raise his or her hand. As hands began to go up throughout the large crowd of Walnut citizens who gathered to celebrate the finished product, Skinner personally thanked them and asked them to look around. The tears flowed even more as she stated, “See what we can do when we come together?”

Sunday, hundreds of youth along with their parents got their first use of Kids Town, a park similar to Kidz World in Ripley and located next to the Walnut Pool. Construction of the park began Wednesday morning and volunteer crews worked in shifts through Sunday’s grand opening to complete the project.

“When I took office in July (2009), this was one of the first grants I started on and now the kids have a wonderful place to come and play, “ said Skinner, who thanked Jack Griffith for helping write the grant. “This has been an everyday project for about two and a half months—getting everything ordered and it’s just great to see it come together. It’s especially great seeing the kids that couldn’t wait to get across the line.”

In her opening remarks, Skinner said that the construction was not complete, but it was “a good start.” She has plans to add two bathrooms, an additional pavilion and a walking track.

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 to complete the project. At least half of that amount can be in-kind funds—donations and volunteer labor. As of early last week, about $10,000 had been raised, the mayor said.

Those wishing to make a donation toward construction of the park can do so into the special account at the Peoples Bank—c/0 Walnut Playground P. O. Box 38 Walnut, MS 38663.