Man Builds Park For Neighborhood That Didn't Have One

[orangeblossom]

I love this.  I do worry about insurance liabilities, and wish he's stock the cooler with water, rather than soda.

www.wltx.com/story/life/2015/08/28/man-builds-park-neighborhood-didnt-have-one/71308946/

Bishopville, SC (WLTX) - A man in Lee County built a park out of his own pocket for a community that didn't have one before.



"This is the only community that the kids didn’t have a park where the kids can go to" said Alton Murray who has lived on Murray Street in Bishopville for 20 years.



"There use to be 5 or 6 houses down here years ago, little dirt road and cotton fields" said Murray. He saw this community grow but a park was never built here. "People come up and some of them went to high school and just left here for better or for worst. Some of them did better some of them did worst. God gave me the grace to move back."



Move back and give back.



Mr. Murray is now retired from construction work and took it upon himself to build a neighborhood park on his property. "I did it on my own, did a little bit at a time. Spent 1,000 here, 1,000 there... [to] get it done" said Murray.



It took him about two and a half months to finish. It has a picnic area, swing set for older kids, playground for the younger ones and a rocking chair for senior citizens.



"That’s where old senior citizens sit ’cause we don’t swing that high. We sit there and rock a little bit" chucked Murray.



He first opened it about 4 years ago and is now planning to remodel it.



"Everyday there’s 15 to 20 kids that get out of school and come straight to the park. Sometimes I set up the soda over there I put 4-5 things of sodas. We’d got the refrigerator going so they can go and get all the soda they want. Sometimes I put them a big thing of ice cream in the freezer and let them take over to eat. They call me Mr. Murray. Everyone in the neighborhood knows me." said Murray.



Everybody has permission to use it as long as it's cleaned up for next time.



"I’m not rich but I live a pretty modest life. If somebody wants me to do something for them I try to do it and try to help people in my neighborhood and people out my neighborhood" said Murray.



Mr. Murray throws a block party every year where he says over 250 people show up. This year's party is the first week of October.

[orangeblossom]

Aug 30, 2015 9:24:50 GMT -5 @barefootbarista said:

I love this! What a sweet guy. I bet it brings him a lot of joy to have young kids over everyday and enjoying the fruits of his labor.

And how awesome for the kids to have somewhere to go play.

You can tell it does.  In the video he looks so happy and pleased with his work.

[NewOrleans]

[mcfelix]

Well that made me cry. What a sweet man.

[KateAggie]

I guess I see the soda as a treat, much like this park.

[tres3]

I wouldn't worry about his liability. Most states have statutes to protect people who open their lands to public recreation.

[ttt]

I really needed this story today. Thanks for sharing.

[Velar Fricative]

What an awesome person.

[LadySusan]

Warm and fuzzy.

[orangeblossom]

Aug 30, 2015 12:55:46 GMT -5 KateAggie said:

I guess I see the soda as a treat, much like this park.

Very true. I'll take my public health hat off.

[WOT?*]

He's adorable. And what a great thing to do for the people of his neighborhood. He's created a community just with a little lumber and elbow grease.