By Betsy Finklea
Many improvements will soon be coming to Gordon Park thanks to $300,000 designated by the State of South Carolina.
Councilman Jamal Campbell, who represents Dillon County District One, said on May 14, 2016 when Councilman Randy Goings represented District One, Gordon Park was dedicated. At that ceremony, Senator Kent Williams was in attendance and stated that it would be nice to have a picnic shelter at the park for the public to enjoy. Senator Williams said the state may be able to help with this, and the public should hold him to this. “You have not because you ask not,” he said. Williams stated that he was looking forward to hearing from someone about this.
Years passed, and the leadership in the district changed and then changed again with Campbell taking over the seat in January 2021.
Having been at that ceremony and recording Williams’ comments on his phone, Campbell went to work to make this request for his district from Senator Williams. Campbell got his information together in January and presented it to Williams while the state was working on the budget. The project will include a picnic shelter, commercial kitchen, and bathrooms. The county has purchased a lot across the street for parking.
Campbell said the next step is to put the project out to architects and to then take beds from general contractors. The monies will be available in October.
A groundbreaking may happen as early as November, and the hope is to have the project completed and ready for use in April or May.
Campbell said he especially thanks Senator Williams for his help to make this project possible.
