READERS MAKE DIFFERENCE
Circulation drive brings in park money
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

City councilwoman Pam Frederick, right, and Bullard City Manager Larry Morgan, left, accept a check from Bullard Banner News owner Bill Woodall at Saturday's Red, White & Blue festival.

The Bullard Park Fund is $900 richer thanks to subscribers of the Bullard Banner News.

The newspaper recently held a subscription drive -- pledging $1 for each new subscription to Bullard's O.L. Ferrell Park.

Bill Woodall, owner of the paper and three other area newspapers, was on hand at Bullard's ninth annual Red, White & Blue festival to present the check.

"As most of you know, we've been on the phone a lot," he said. "Most of you have heard from us.

"We appreciate your support of both the park and the newspaper, and we are happy to turn over this money to park chair and city councilwoman Pam Frederick."

Frederick was appreciative.

"You have to depend on the community for help - and they do help - especially when it comes to improving their surroundings, she said. "And we are especially thankful to the newspaper and the subscribers for helping us."

The newspaper picked up almost 900 new subscriptions with the drive - boosting circulation to 1,830.

In 2005, Texas Parks and Wildlife awarded $50,000 - with the stipulation the city would match it - either in money or in-kind donations for an entire renovation of the park.

Since then, the park has received an entire facelift - with new equipment and stonework done on the pavilion - all thanks to the grant and community support.

"There's not a day that goes by - if it's not raining - that I don't see children playing in the park.

"That's the way it's supposed to be."

City Manager Larry Morgan agreed.

"Every growing city needs long-range planning for a park system," he said. "Parks are essential elements of thriving cities. It is important to maximize all parks' potential to help create communities that enrich people's lives."

The city recently installed two new swing sets, and Frederick said children were lining up to play on it.

"Lots of what happens in cities goes unnoticed," she said. "Parks are highly visible and should be valued as a focus point for families in our community."

From masonry work, to engineering studies, to Eagle Scout projects and cash donations, the park project has brought the community together, she said.

And she knows the community will continue to respond.

"A park can be a community gathering place, a tourist attraction, or a guide for future growth, all the while helping to improve the local economy," Frederick said. "It's the centerpiece of the community."

Frederick said the park's rebuilding is part of the puzzle.

"When people are looking to relocate, they look at three things first," she said, "housing, the school system and the park system."

Her initial goal, she said, has been realized.

"I wanted people to drive by and say, 'What a fabulous park,'" she said. "And they have."