By Kimberly McMillian
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. — Marty Revis has a plans for Old Washington Park off state Highway 30, but he says he can’t do it alone or without some equipment.
That’s why Mr. Revis, who unofficially oversees the park, was in front of the Rhea County Commission’s Purchase and Finance Committee on Wednesday.
“There’s a lot of things I want to do,” Mr. Revis told the committee, but he needs help.
The park needs a children’s play area, he said, and a gas-engine blower, as opposed to manually raking, also would help. Currently, there’s no power for electric equipment at the park, he said.
“How much would it take to keep it up yearly?” committee member Jerry Levengood asked.
“Twenty-five thousand dollars would be the cheapest,” Mr. Revis said.
Committee member Chris Goodwin asked if Mr. Revis had spoken with the Rhea County Historical Society about registering the park as a nonprofit organization, which could help the park get grants.
The park is not an official organization, Mr. Revis said, and besides, a $300 fee is needed to start the process.
The committee agreed to pass the issue along to the full County Commission to see if it could help.
The park needs to be taken of, Mr. Revis said, if only because it contains the grave of David Campbell, who in 1812 donated the land for the town of Washington, the first county seat of Rhea.
“Dayton is here because of David Campbell,” Mr. Revis said. “It’s (his grave) a jewel to Dayton. It’s not in good shape. Anything you can do, I’d appreciate it.”
“I admire you for what you’re doing, for taking it on,” Mr. Goodwin said.
Sitting in the park on a recent evening, Stephanie Monday said she brought her kids there so they could play.
“It’s quiet,” as opposed to other area walking parks, she said.
Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net.