Meldrim Raises Money for New Playground Equipment

(Stephen Newsome, Buddy Carter, Richie Sapp, David Scott, Karen Diederich, and Sandy Sanders)

By Genevieve Rogers

The children of Meldrim will soon be playing on brand new playground equipment at Meldrim Memorial Park, thanks to the hard work of the Meldrim Civic Club and it's Meldrim Memorial Park Rejuvenation Project.

The civic club was formed in 1961 and it's main priority since has been the Meldrim Memorial Park. The park was built to commemorate the 1959 train disaster, in which a freight train carrying two butane tanks blew up and derailed over the Ogeechee River, killing 23 people, most of whom were bathing and picnicking near the accident. The park was rededicated in 1999, which marked the 40th anniversary of the accident.? With the help of State Representative Ann Purcell and Senator Jack Hill, a pavilion was added a few years ago.

The current playground equipment was built in the 1950's and was originally used at the Savannah Sugar Refinery for family events and outings. It was donated to the Meldrim community in 1971 by Gene Ellison and the late Bo Stokes.

When lifelong resident, Stephen Newsome, became president of the civic club three years ago, he made it his mission to raise money for new playground equipment.

"Personally, I know how important growing up in a community like this was to me and what role it played in me becoming the person that I am. The equipment that we currently have is 35 years old and it's the same equipment that I played on as a child. I don't have any kids myself, but I want all of the kids in Meldrim to have a safe place to play, now and in the future. I couldn't think of anywhere better to grow up as a child and I can't imagine living anywhere else. This community is like family."

The civic club managed to raise $12,500 from barbeque dinner fundraisers and annual Halloween carnivals for the project. The community also received a $25,000 state grant and $20,000 from the Effingham County Commission towards the project.

Mr. Newsome says that support for the project has been tremendous and that he truly appreciates the efforts of everyone involved.

"The participation and support of the people within the community is greatly appreciated. Special thanks to the Members of the Meldrim Civic Club and it's officers for their tireless dedication. I would like to thank Georgia State Senator Jack Hill and Georgia State Representative Buddy Carter once again for securing a grant for the playground rejuvenation project. The funds received as a result of their hard work is the single largest funding amount that we have ever received. Their continuing support and love of the Meldrim Community is greatly appreciated."

He says that the civic club hopes to have the new equipment installed before or around the beginning of the year, but says that he's not in a hurry to rush the job

"We want to make sure that everything is taken into consideration to ensure safety and the best possible result. Our main concerns are that we provide a safe, enjoyable place for the children to play and that the 2006 Meldrim Memorial Park Renovation Project is completed prior to next Easter. That is when we will be having our next big function."

The Meldrim Civic Club is hoping to hold an official dedication of the playground equipment this coming Easter or on June 28th, which marks the 49th Anniversary of the Meldrim Trestle Disaster.

To learn more about the community of Meldrim and the playground project, go to: