Dothan Landmarks Foundation recognizes Heritage, Volunteer award recipients

It was a night for celebration and a night for reflection during Landmark Park’s annual membership meeting, which preceded its “Party for the Park” Jan. 27, and was held in the Stokes Activity Barn.

Dothan Landmarks Foundation, parent organization of the park, presents two awards each year. One is the Tommy Ricketts Volunteer Service Award, and the other is the Heritage Award.

“It’s hard to pick just one volunteer,” said William Holman, executive director of Landmark Park. “We have so many wonderful volunteers that it is difficult to recognize just one.”

For the many hours he gives to the park, especially working in the kitchen garden, Tom Boyle, a master gardener, was the recipient of the Volunteer Service Award.

“Knowing Tommy (Ricketts) and working with him on many projects, it’s an honor to win an award named after him,” Boyle said. “I didn’t do this alone. I want to thank the many master gardeners who have volunteered their time. There are a lot of them involved here.”

The Heritage Award is given to an individual or group that has taken on the task of historic preservation. Dr. Marty Olliff, chair of the Preservation Committee, presented the Heritage Award to Eagle Investment for the company’s work in preserving a portion of North Foster Street, the heart of Dothan’s Historic District. John Givens, president, and Samantha Tipton, director of planning and development, of Eagle Investment, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

During his annual director’s report, Holman reflected on the highs and lows of 2011. He drew special attention to a new publication that is available for purchase. The collaborative effort of Scotty Kirkland, Laura Stakelum and Frank Gaines III, “Dothan and Houston County: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” provides a comparative look at the region as it appeared in its early years and how it looks today. Holman believes the hardback book would make a nice keepsake. It’s available for purchase at the park and at retail locations throughout the area.

When it first opened, the Stokes Activity Barn, site of the annual meeting, was not air conditioned. That changed in 2011, and Holman says it has been a boost for rental of the facility.

“We felt it would increase the use of the building,” Holman said. “It has made a big difference.”

Jon Lee, board president noted that the facility, pre-air conditioning, was rented 35 times last year. He says the rental total is already at 32 before the end of February.

Holman noted the park has also bounced back from a difficult 2010.

“We’re getting back on our feet after the 2010 fire,” Holman said. “The (maintenance) building has been replaced with several smaller ones.”

The park is also something of a showplace for green energy.

“We received a grant for a solo-powered water system for the new farm area,” Holman said. “We’re showcasing the history and the future of farming.”

Holman says the park did receive some discouraging news in 2011. It will be a hurdle the park will have to overcome with the help of the community that it serves.

“We have lost state funding, in the amount of $100,000, which won’t come back for a while,” he said. “The funding cut impacts the Alabama Agriculture Museum (which is located at Landmark Park). We lost our farm manager, Sid Brannon, who served in that role for 15 years. But, we have a very hard-working staff. We will overcome that loss.”

“We’ve had two very challenging years,” Lee added. “But our rentals are up, and our memberships have held steady. Sponsorships have been good, and we’re back in the city’s budget for two years.”

The annual membership meeting also saw the election of new officers and the addition of five new board members. Stan Aman will serve as president with Glenn Spivey taking the vice president’s post. Ron Thomas was elected secretary, and Suzanne Davis will serve as treasurer.

The new board members are Chris Cody, Gloria Jeffcoat, Paige Posey, Ben Wallace and Clay Williams.

For more information about the programs offered at Landmark Park, call 794-3452 or visit www.landmarkpark.com.