ATHENS-Native trees and plants are part of the renovated landscape on a site that once was a 32-acre eyesore for
Athens.
Three of those trees also have names.
On Monday, the City of Athens, Tennessee Valley Authority, Athens Utilities, local and state officials and members of
the Athens Mayor’s Youth Commission participated in an Alabama Arbor Week event at Sunrise Park on Pryor
Street. Because of this opportunity, officials expanded the local celebration of Alabama Arbor Week (Feb. 22-
28) to March 2.
TVA sponsored the Sunrise Park project with $50,200 for the purchase of native trees and plants, and joined
Athens Utilities in instructing Youth Commissioners about the best method and time for planting native trees.
They also explained how native trees are hardier in Alabama’s climate.
“It really helps me understand nature and how it helps our ecosystem,” Youth Commissioner Tanner Cannon
said about the experience. “It’s going to overall help our environment.”
The Youth Commissioners named the three birch trees they helped plant as Hank, Joffery (like Jeffery but with
an “o”) and Mable.
“This project and today’s event are prime examples of what we can accomplish when we work together to
enhance Athens,” Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “Sunrise Park will be a tremendous asset for our community as a
recreational destination, and in the future, with the mixed-use development area, we will have housing and
mom-and-pop stores that support not only park users, but our local economy. I appreciate TVA for its
investment, both financially and educationally.”
The park site was an abandoned chicken processing plant until the City of Athens convinced Pilgrim’s Pride to
sell it so the city could renovate it into a recreational area with mixed-use development. The first phase of that
project is nearing completion and will offer an inclusive playground, splash pad, shelter, bathrooms, an entrance
and parking.
TVA Environmental Manager Paul Pearman said collaborating on projects like Sunrise Park fits TVA’s mission
for outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. Athens Utilities Right of Way Manager Rhett Murphy,
who works on Athens’ designation as a Tree City each year, said he appreciates TVA emphasizing the
importance of native trees and plants and sharing that with the students.
Athens has also worked with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management on watershed activities
funded with ADEM grants, such as the installation of permeable pavers and more native plants and trees.
Tourism Director Pammie Jimmar and State Rep. Parker Moore also attended today’s event.
