Town Administrator Karen Livingston hands out goodies to members of the community during National Night Out.
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
Councilmen Allen Gallman and Robert Martin pose for a photo in front of the Town of Prosperity’s new playground equipment.
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
The Prosperity Police Department handed out water bottles and Frisbee to the community.
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office was one of many vendors set up during National Night Out last week, which was rescheduled due to inclement weather.
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
Kids were able to pick up activity books and other information from local businesses and organizations.
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
Some organizations had book bags on hand for kids in the community.
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
Kids make their way to the bounce houses!
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
During National Night Out, the Town of Prosperity took a moment to cut the ribbon on their new playground equipment. New equipment was also installed at the Langford Street park.
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
After cutting the ribbon, kids tested out the new playground equipment.
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
National Night Out is held annually and is a chance for the community to interact with law enforcement, EMS, etc.
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
Folks line up for a snow cone!
Kelly Duncan photos | The Newberry Observer
PROSPERITY — After being rescheduled due to inclement weather, the Town of Prosperity saw nothing but sunshine and smiling faces as they held their National Night Out event last week.
A number of businesses and organizations attended the annual event, which connects members of the community with law enforcement, EMS and other agencies from across the county.
This year’s event was made extra special with the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Town of Prosperity’s new playground equipment at the Town Center. New equipment was also added at the Langford Street location.
Mayor Derek Underwood, who will not be running for mayor once his term is up, said this project was funded through the Newberry County Capital Project Sales Tax – the One Cent Sales Tax that was voted on several years ago.
“This was the first step in investing the $3.2 million we received to upgrade our parks and recreation areas here in Prosperity,” Underwood said.
Underwood also took a moment to thank everyone involved in the planning and execution of the project, including Barrs Recreation, who he said did an outstanding job on the new equipment.
Breaking it down, Underwood said the equipment at Town Center cost $289,174 while the equipment on Langford Street cost a total of $193,362 – signage for both locations, he said, cost around $1,600, which is an investment just shy of $500,000.
Prior to the ribbon cutting, as documented on the town’s Facebook page, an individual with a child came to the park at Town Center and vandalized the newly installed equipment with paint.
During last week’s Mayoral Breakfast, Underwood said a parent allowed a child to do this and that they are actively searching for the individual who was seen on video sitting in a chair and watching as the child painted on the equipment.
“We want to make sure we keep it clean and pretty so please take pride in this,” Underwood said.
While he still has some time to go before he passes on the reigns as mayor, Underwood briefly reflected on his time as mayor, saying while he may be serving as mayor, he will not be a stranger and will still show up and support events around town when he is able to do so.
Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3122 ext. 1867 or [email protected].