Photo Contributed Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department and East River Park Christian Church recently worked to beautify various parks around the city.

Partnerships continue to be the name of the game for the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department.
The entity and East River Park Christian Church recently joined for a “Friends of the Park” community service project at the City Park, Lions Field, Douglas Park, Covered Bridge Park and Edwards Island Park.
“Our staff had a great day with an incredible group of people that love our community,” Mike Mains, Parks & Rec Director, said. “It was a real blessing not only for our staff but for Elizabethton to see the results of their work and dedication.”
Mains commended the efforts of each of the volunteers and Parks & Rec Maintenance Supervisor David McQueen for the project which saw various renovations be performed.
Volunteers from East River Park were able to plant trees and landscape at Douglas Park and the Blue Grays Field, painted dugouts and at our City Park and Lions Field dugouts, picked up debris, painted graffiti at Covered Bridge and Edwards Island parks and mulched playground equipment at the City Park.
Mains added the Department offers the Friends of the Park programs to give churches, nonprofit organizations, and citizens a chance to give back to the community and stated he appreciated the various individuals that have taken time out to volunteer.
“We feel very fortunate to have been able to work side by side with several organizations in recent years that believe in what we do and have t made a difference in our community by assisting us with projects,” Mains said.
Multiple upgrades different facilities are being eyed for potential possibilities, the director added, and the ability to do so has come thanks in part to various organizations and volunteers coming together.
For more information on how to get involved with a Friends of the Park project, contact the Department at (423) 547-6441.
Upcoming projects and information on the Department’s activities can be found by either visiting elizabethton.org or by checking out the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Facebook page.