Help to Fund St. James Midway Community Park

The 2016–17 Sewanee Community Chest (SCC) Fund Drive is underway. Sponsored by the Sewanee Civic Association, the SCC raises money yearly for local charitable organizations serving the area. This year’s goal is $116,850.

This week we shine the spotlight on the St. James Midway Community Park.

The St. James Midway Community Park on the St. James grounds was started by members of the Midway Community in the early 1960s  when community members met at  the former Midway School House to start the park. St. James provides the maintenance of the grounds and insurance. The park is also enjoyed by the wider Sewanee community.

In the last couple of year efforts have been made to improve the park and better serve the community, including a South Cumberland Community Fund grant in 2014 to purchase new equipment, mulch and picnic tables.

There are several activities for older children and adults such as a volleyball court, basketball goals, swings and slides. Volunteers for the Midway Community Park are now trying to raise funds for a new play set for the smaller children. The total cost for the playground equipment is $5,500. The SCC will grant the Midway Community Park $2,000 to help purchase the new age-appropriate equipment.

Since 1908, the goal of the SCC has been to help citizens by funding the community. Through SCC funding, 26 local organizations can help those caught in the cycle of poverty, improve quality of life through outreach and community initiatives, and provide support for children with a variety of programs. The SCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Send your donation to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375.