Cheryl Smith
reporter@greenepublishing.com
The Four Freedoms Park Renovation Project began as a vision by Billy Margraves of Muddy Dog Rock and Crystals Shop in Madison. He knew the park was on every brochure about Madison County, picture of the statues is on the calendar of the local bank, and on the many websites that have information about Madison County. This is the hub of the town of Madison and yet it has been neglected for a long time. Margraves was saddened by the park's appearance, lack of color, and poor condition of the statue. The plaques were unreadable due to tarnishing.
Margrave reached out to different groups to gain support for his ideas. He approached the City Council and was given permission to plant flowers. He spoke to City Manager, Jerome Wyche, and asked if the sprinkler system in the park could be repaired. His next quest for help would be the Madison Garden Club. Margrave shared with the group that in digging through history of the park, Madison Garden Club once maintained the park's landscape. The Garden Club agreed to make this one of their projects and a committee was formed.
Alice Smith, Florida Master Gardner and member of Madison Garden Club, shared the vision of the committee: To create a central community hub that reflects the historical values and vitality of the people of Madison County. The mission is to restore Four Freedoms Park to its full use for enjoyment of residence, visitors and business' of Madison County. The Garden Club has a three year plan that will focus on landscaping, specifically planting native and Florida friendly plans that grow well in our area.
Margrave then went to City Manager Wyche with committee plans showing a need for the sprinkler system to be repaired. The Garden Club absorbed the cost of this repair and hope to do fundraising to help with this and further activities involving beautification of the Four Freedoms Park.
On Saturday, April 1, members of the Madison Garden Club, Hargrave, and volunteers, showed up to help with the first phase of restoring Four Freedoms Park. Weeding and clean up around the statues was the main focus. Carolyn Saft, County Extension Director and Horticulture Agent level III (UF/IFAS) from Suwannee County came to help with clean up and will continue to offer her expertise in restoration of the park and planting.
The Four Freedoms Park Renovation Project is back in full swing, with more weeding, planting and restoration.
If you would like to help with the expenses of making the park beautiful, or would love to volunteer for the next clean up and planting day, contact Stephanie Ruff at stephruff@centurylink.net.