Taking pride in a community is an important aspect to any society. Having this attribute often inspires teamwork, leadership, and even sometimes change and growth.
The City of Ford, along with the Ford PRIDE and fellow citizens came together to make a difference. They came together to not only revitalize a park but to create a safe place for their children to play, as well as establish an area for community gatherings. The city was challenged by the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation to renovate the area by receiving $10,000 from the organization to match dollar for dollar in efforts to pay for the equipment and other necessities the park needed.
Stimulating from the Public Official Exchange, the project began as an effort to bring all Ford County communities together. While the newly renovated park did just that, it also brought change to the small town in a variety of ways. Since the project has begun, a PRIDE group has formed and a code enforcement program is in the beginning stages of taking place. The efforts are all a part of revitalizing areas of the community to help it grow and prosper, thus creating economic development.
“The efforts this community has put forward with this project have shown that with teamwork and leadership goals can be accomplished. The City of Ford, PRIDE, and the volunteers have helped make this project a success, a success that will pave the way for further improvements and change within the community itself,” says Joann Knight, Executive Director of the Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation.
A big thanks goes to the City of Dodge City, Dodge City Parks and Recreation, Gayla Kirmer of Spearville Pride, and the many volunteers and contributors who have helped with this project. It couldn’t have been accomplished without you!