Left to Right – Mayor Kerry Underwood, Waylon Huguley, David Isom and Rep. Andrew Sorrell at Tuscumbia’s Pocket Park.
TUSCUMBIA-The City of Tuscumbia was awarded $10,750 in Colbert County Community Development Commission grant funding to assist in the continued development of its unique Pocket Park. Nestled into a small open space beside FiddleDeeD! on Main Street in the heart of downtown, the innovative venue features a small stage, lighting, seating and tables for special events or daily enjoyment by the community.
Sen. Larry Stutts, Rep. Jamie Kiel and Rep. Andrew Sorrell each allocated funding to the project.
Each legislator presented a check to Mayor Kerry Underwood, Council William Foster and Councilman Mike Isom Friday morning at City Hall. The park is in Foster’s district, and he has led the efforts to design, implement and secure funding for the project.
“The Pocket Park is such a great idea,” said Sen. Larry Stutt. “I’m always thankful to have opportunities to support great projects like this and put our tax dollars back into our community. This park will be an asset for all.”
The park was conceptualized by industrial, landscape and environmental designer Owen Foster, co-owner of Shift Design and a former professor at Savannah College of Art and Design.
“My brother Owen was generous enough to design this park for the City free of charge and really created a beautiful space for our community to enjoy,” Councilman Foster said. “The Pocket Park gives us not just a small park for daily use, but also a venue for small performances and events, which can promote economic growth as it draws people downtown.”
William Foster and Larry Stutts
Foster said right now the park has a stage, graded floor, planters, lights and public restrooms. The grant funding will enable the City to proceed with the final phase, which includes adding seating and tables, as well as painting structures and installing ADA-compliant railing to make the stage handicap accessible.
“I am really excited about the possibilities this park offers and very grateful to Sen. Larry Stutts, Rep. Jamie Kiel and Rep. Andrew Sorrell for their support of this project,” Foster said. “This park is just another example of how we are all working to improve the quality of life here for our residents and our community.”
Media Release/Tuscumbia Councilman William Foster
