The second annual Memorial Day picnic at McCoy Farm and Gardens was a popular event again this year, with approximately 1,100 people attending for a day of food and fun with their neighbors. More than 1,400 meals were purchased that day, said Kim Fookes, a member of the picnic committee, which was co-chaired by Carol Bishop and Betsy Goodfellow.
Mickey Robbins, president of the group in charge of the property, said the event helped give McCoy Farm and Gardens more exposure in the community, making more people aware that it is available for their use as a park or event venue.
The property has come a long way in the past year and is continuing to take shape. The former McCoy home on-site is now furnished, and a bridge designed by Cumberland Trail founder Sam Powell was added to the surrounding trail system to allow hikers to explore the wetland on the property.
Fookes said repairs and restoration efforts will be going on at McCoy Farm all summer, including the addition of a fire pit by Jake Little for his Eagle Scout project, as well as the installation of a wheelchair ramp. The Master Gardeners will also be continuing to work on the gardens and grounds, she said.
McCoy Farm recently received a $10,000 grant to create a butterfly way-station in the garden, and a native plant garden will be established by Trailhead Nursery on one corner of the property, said Robbins. The property is currently pursuing arboretum status as well, he added.
Check future editions of Signal Mountain Weekly for more information on upcoming projects.