Local children in Tifton have a brand new reason to rush outdoors this week. Volunteers transformed a quiet backyard into a vibrant play space at the Anthony Bateman Youth Center. The project turned an empty green lawn into an exciting hub for physical activity and fun. It marks a significant upgrade for the facility and its young patrons.
Volunteers Build Fun for Local Kids
A dedicated team of volunteers spent their Martin Luther King Jr. Day hard at work. Members of the Citizens of Georgia Power chapter gathered early in the morning to finish a special project. They focused their efforts on the green space behind the youth center. Their goal was simple yet impactful. They wanted to build a safe place for children to play.
The project involved heavy lifting and precise assembly. Volunteers installed a large climbing dome and three sturdy benches. Richard Yarbrough and Stuart Jones worked together to secure the heavy posts for the playground structure. The team had already spent hours prepping the site during the previous week. They wanted to ensure everything was perfect for the holiday reveal.
The installation was about more than just nuts and bolts. It was a labor of love from local residents who care about their neighbors.
- Project Highlights:
- Equipment: One large geometric climbing dome.
- Seating: Three new benches for supervision and rest.
- Funding: A $10,000 grant provided by Georgia Power.
- Labor: Provided entirely by local employee volunteers.
Barbara Grogan serves as the area manager with external affairs for Georgia Power. She noticed a clear need in the community when she first started working in town. She realized the center had plenty of space but no equipment.
“When I started working in town, I noticed there was not playground equipment here,” Grogan explained during the event. “I know the Anthony Bateman Youth Center knew and they haven’t had time to get to that yet.”
She saw a gap that her team could fill. They seized the opportunity to invest back into the place they call home.
Investing in the Future of Tifton
This donation represents a significant financial investment in local youth. The project was funded through a $10,000 grant from the power company. This money ensures that the equipment is high quality, durable, and safe for daily use. It allows the center to focus its own budget on other programs while still upgrading its facility.
Playgrounds are essential for childhood development. They provide a space for physical exercise which is vital for growing bodies. Climbing structures like the new dome help children build upper body strength and coordination.
“We saw an opportunity where we could invest back into the community.”
— Barbara Grogan, Georgia Power Area Manager
This is not the first time the company has stepped up for Tifton parks. They were also a driving force behind improvements at Haire Park. That previous project also utilized a sizable grant to provide modern equipment. It shows a consistent pattern of support for local recreational spaces.
Corporate social responsibility often involves writing checks. However, this group takes it a step further by providing the manual labor. It connects the employees directly to the people they serve.
Excitement Builds Among Center Youth
The anticipation at the center has been building for days. Dr. Tonja Tift serves as the director of the youth center. She watched the excitement grow among the children as the materials arrived. The kids knew something big was happening in their backyard.
Dr. Tift described the scene vividly. “When the kids first saw them last week, starting to assemble the dome, they were just all pointing,” she said.
The children could see the volunteers working and piecing together the metal bars. They recognized the shape of something fun taking form.
It is going to be amazing when they come tomorrow and see that it is done.
The addition of benches is equally important for the facility. It allows staff and parents to supervise comfortably. It encourages social interaction among the kids who might want to sit and talk. The entire dynamic of the outdoor space has changed from a simple field to a destination.
Dr. Tift believes this will bring a whole new energy to the center. It gives the children a sense of ownership and pride in their facility. They now have a dedicated zone that is just for them.
A Legacy of Community Service
The Citizens of Georgia Power is a nonprofit group comprised of employees and their spouses. Their mission goes beyond keeping the lights on. They focus on education, environment, and community enrichment. Projects like this are chosen carefully to have the maximum positive effect.
Choosing MLK Day for the installation was symbolic. It honors the spirit of service that the holiday represents. The volunteers gave up their day off to ensure the project was completed on time.
Access to safe play areas is a critical issue in many communities.
- Physical Benefits: Increases cardiovascular health and muscle tone.
- Social Skills: Teaches kids how to share and take turns.
- Mental Health: Outdoor play reduces stress and anxiety in children.
- Community Safety: Keeps kids active in a supervised, secure environment.
The new climbing dome is modern and engaging. Unlike traditional swings or slides, a dome encourages group play. Multiple children can climb at once. It fosters cooperation as they navigate the structure together.
Local residents can now look at the Anthony Bateman Youth Center with fresh eyes. It is no longer just a building. It is a fully equipped campus designed for the well-being of Tifton’s next generation. The laughter that will soon fill that backyard is the real return on investment.
This project serves as a reminder of what happens when businesses care. It shows that small acts of service can build a stronger community foundation. The bolts are tightened and the concrete is set. Now, it is time for the kids to play.
