VINEMONT, Ala. – An effort is underway in the town of South Vinemont to bring new activities and amenities for the community to enjoy. Mayor Radginal Dodson and the town council on Tuesday night discussed several ideas including a disc golf course, beach volleyball and a community garden as possible future additions in the green spaces around the town’s walking trail.
“We have 12 acres of grass we keep mowed. I think we need to do something with that 12 acres of grass besides mow it,” Dodson proposed.
The mayor said he has visited disc golf courses in both Cullman and Hartselle to learn more about the popular activity and discussed the possibility of creating a course.
He said, “I would like to try it. The trees and the ditch across it would not be a problem because they (players) enjoy having obstacles to have to work that disc to fly around. They enjoy things like that.”
Another suggestion was a beach volleyball court. The possibility of the sport being incorporated as a school sport in the future led to the idea. Councilwoman Shirley Arnett presented a proposal for a community garden with raised beds. She also suggested new events the town could look at offering the community including family movie nights in the park, and a Founders’ Day or Veterans Day event. Arnett said she hopes to gather information from the community to “measure interest” in the proposed ideas.
Said Dodson, “These are all great considerations. I think that’s what we need, really. We need to try the best we can to do as much as we possibly can for those, not necessarily in any particular age group, just in general. That’s what I would like is see if we can utilize as much as possible as far as the town’s concerned.”
The council did approve the money needed to add a pavilion at the walking trail. The pavilion will be behind the storm shelters and connected to the existing bathrooms. It will be be 24 feet x 36 feet, with an extension area for barbecue grills. The cost of the pavilion is estimated at $13,000- $15,000.
Dodson said, “If we do this conscientiously and don’t spend a whole lot of money, the folks of the town need everything we can give them if we can to make their days just a little bit better.”
Another activity that could be coming to South Vinemont soon is the SilverSneakers chair aerobics class that met at the now closed Cullman SportsFit & Wellness Center. Former manager of SportsFit, Becky Pollard, asked the council to consider allowing the program to use the town’s community center two days a week. The program is for seniors (65 and older), and the proposed location must be approved by SilverSneakers, a nationwide program. The council approved Pollard’s request to use the center. The Town will now apply for approval through SilverSneakers.
The town’s ballpark is scheduled to be reopened June 19. The park has tournaments booked every weekend through November.
Parks Director Mike Graves said, “To me, this is baseball weather. This is the time to play baseball and softball. We are booked solid.”
By extending the ball season into November, the Town hopes to offset any losses caused by the COVID-19 shutdown.
The council is also urging South Vinemont residents to complete the 2020 Census. Vinemont’s response rate is currently the second lowest in Cullman County at 48.9%. Lack of internet in the area is thought to be the reason for the low response. Census takers will be going door to door in an effort to assist those who have not responded. Those needing help completing the census can contact Vinemont Town Hall at 256-737-5411.
Copyright 2020 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
