Princeton gets grant for town park
By Jack Stephens
Published in News on June 16, 2004 1:57 PM
PRINCETON -- Princeton has been awarded a $152,000 grant to build its town park. Now all the town has to do is match the grant within three years.
The grant will come from the state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. "We got everything we had asked for," said Town Clerk Marla Ashworth.
She said the town has applied for another grant to pay for half of the $152,000 match. If that grant is approved, then the remainder would come from other grants, fund-raising, donations and a town match.
Mayor Don Rains said the park was now useable, with a graveled parking lot and walking trails. There are groups that will plant trees. Mrs. Ashworth said other projects would be completed and other items bought when time and money permit.
The park, on the west side of the small Johnston County town, was named for the late Ray M. Floors, a Princeton businessman, civic leader and magistrate, who died in May, 2000.
About 10 months after his death, Floors' daughters, Jill F. Hawkins and Lisa F. Brown, donated the land off Holt's Pond Road on the condition that it be named for their father and be developed within five years. If not, the 4.3 acres would revert to his estate.
When the park is completed, it is expected to have a picnic shelter, picnic tables, two bathrooms and a playground. But the sisters stipulated that the park could not be used for athletic events.
When the town board discussed in November, 2001, that the park could be enlarged, the two women walked out of the meeting. About four weeks later, they presented the town with a signed deed for the land and, in return, they got a letter of appreciation from the town.