Leadership Clinton Class presents Robinson Park improvements

By Randy Bell

Visitors to Clinton’s Robinson Park now have a comfortable—and soon, shady—place to sit, thanks to the Leadership Clinton Class of 2025.  The group took a suggestion from one of its members who played at the park as a child and decided that their class project would be the installation of a new bench and a tree near the playground.

“The community has a lot of elderly residents, and there was no seating and no shade,” said class member Tia McArthur.  “So, Mr. Eddie [Spann] suggested that we look at the park and see if maybe we could do something to help the residents.  And this is what the final result was.”

A ceremony to officially present the river birch tree and wraparound bench was held March 20 at the park on Neal Street in the Sarah Dickey neighborhood. SiteOne Landscape Supply in Canton donated the tree, and a Clinton company, Mid-State Welding, provided the bench.

McArthur said the original idea for the tree was an oak variety known for producing large acorns, which children playing in the park might find interesting.  But that type of tree was unavailable.

“When I called and talked to the guys at SiteOne, they suggested the river birch, that it would be fast-growing, it would grow tall and it would provide a lot of shade.”

McArthur expects kids to notice the tree’s shaggy bark.

The City of Clinton built the park in 1983 at the site of an old sand and gravel pit. It was named in honor of Parks and Recreation Commission member Willie Robinson, who, City leaders said, had been “inspirational,” working with youth throughout Clinton.  His son, James Robinson, attended the Leadership Clinton presentation, showing photographs taken during the park dedication forty-three years ago.  Robinson Park originally featured a basketball court and a softball field.

“It’s evolved, you know, into what it is now,” James Robinson said.

Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Nunn was also a member of the Leadership Clinton class, and she reminded the crowd at the presentation ceremony that the City spent about half a million dollars to make upgrades at the park a couple of years ago.

“We do have plans for more,” she said. “One of the things that I would love to tackle is some more seating around the walking path with shade.  I would love to make some upgrades to the basketball court, as well.”

Spann said he told his fellow Leadership Clinton class members about the history of the park and its namesake.

“When we were talking about this project, we were like, we could do something for the community, not just to enhance the park but for the older people as well, for them to be able to sit out and watch the children grow and play.”

Spann said it was “a long time ago” when he played at Robinson Park, but he still visits occasionally.  “I come over here sometimes and walk.  I used to bring my son down here when he was younger.  He’s in college now.  And hopefully, one day—grandchildren.”

And maybe Spann will sit with those kids on the bench that he suggested in what should be the shadiest spot in Robinson Park.