A project full of collaboration, cooperation and dedication.

Members of the Elizabethton and Johnson City Lions Clubs were able to showcase all of these qualities Thursday afternoon as they held a ceremony to dedicate landscaping performed at the Milligan Depot — a section of the Tweetsie Trail located in the Happy Valley community.

Thursday’s dedication ceremony was one of the conclusions of a friendly challenge issued between both Lions Club affiliates. Since last July, both organizations have done their fair share of beautification of the trail, which connects Johnson City into Elizabethton and has become a tourism hotspot for individuals looking to take advantage of the outdoor terrain in the region.

It is only fitting for the clubs to come together, especially with 2018 being the celebration of the Lions’ 100th year of service across the globe, according to Johnson City Lions Club member Gayle Cox.

Cox, who addressed attendees during the ceremony, indicated that this year is the 70th anniversary for the Johnson City branch of the organization and that it was a pleasure to work alongside Elizabethton for the endeavor.

According to City of Johnson City officials, Pat Walding, city forester, designed the 2,000-square-foot area that makes up the Milligan Depot and the items were planted by the Johnson City Public Works staff. Lions Club members helped with the endeavor by purchasing the flowers, evergreen trees and shrubs that are now placed at the scenic overlook.

Seeing the project come to fruition was a sight for Ken Gough. The Carter County Parks and Rec Board chairman is a member and past president of the Johnson City Lions Club and mentioned both groups were excited to take part in a project that highlight the trail.

“Since the Tweetsie Trail was conceived from the beginning as a way to link Elizabethton and Johnson City, the cities’ Lions Clubs are very proud to cooperate in making it an even more better and more beautiful experience,” Gough said in a statement issued to the Elizabethton Star. “Milligan Depot overlooks Happy Valley, with a great view of the mountains beyond. It’s the prettiest spot on the trail, as well as one of the most historic, and now will be even better.”

Nathanael Hughes, Elizabethton Lions Club president, was also on hand for the event and was joined by fellow club members that helped make Thursday a reality.

“It has been a pleasure to work with both clubs,” he said.

Hughes commended the work of his club, including Ed Jordan. Jordan is the founder of Carter County Proud and the organization recently worked with Elizabethton Parks & Rec to plant trees and other forms of vegetation at the section of the Tweetsie Trail located behind Grindstaff Motors.

“Ed has really taken the ball and ran with this project,” Hughes said. “It’s a great opportunity for our club members to come together and work together on a project that will be beneficial for the community of Elizabethton and Johnson City.”

Elizabethton Lions Club is also looking for new members. Since restarting the program a few years back, members have been taking to the city and county to work on various projects to give back to the public.

To learn more, visit the Elizabethton Lions Club Facebook page.