Dekko grant makes a splash with Athens

ATHENS – The abandoned Pilgrim’s Pride poultry plant has heard its last cock-a-doodle-doo as the City of Athens closed on a deal to purchase the land after years of negotiations.

Boosted by a $250,000 grant from the Dekko Foundation, Athens has begun construction on 32-acre Sunrise Park, featuring a splash pad and all-inclusive playground.

Dekko invests in projects that help children and youth build skills, knowledge, and the character they will need to travel the path to economic freedom.

The Athens City Council has allocated $1 million from the General Fund 2021 surplus to start the project and match Dekko’s $250,000 grant.

Adjacent to Athens State University near downtown, the old plant has been an eyesore since Pilgrim’s Pride pulled out in 2019, leaving more than 600 people without jobs.

The city can now remove asbestos, tear down dilapidated buildings, dig up holding ponds, inspect bridges crossing the waterway, and sow 32 acres with grass.

“We had a dangerous eyesore in the middle of our city that will become a destination spot for families and tourists and an asset for Athens,” said Mayor Ronnie Marks.

The Limestone County Legislative Delegation has awarded $28,967.50 in community grants toward the project. The Athens Ladies Civitan donated $2,500 and is discussing a second donation.

Local developers have donated about 20,000 cubic yards of dirt valued at $1.08 million, and Athens crews are doing site work on the property.

ADEM performed the Phase 1 and 2 environmental studies at its cost to support the city’s efforts.

The initial phase will include the entrance from Pryor Street, the playground and splash pad with bathrooms, parking, and shade structures.

The goal is to complete and open this phase by spring of 2024. The preliminary design came about through a series of community meetings.

Future phases include a dog park, amphitheater, green space, food truck area, Singing River Trailhead, and retail mixed with residential on the west side.