What was once a 32-acre abandoned chicken processing plant is now taking root as a new recreational destination for Athens.
City leaders joined representatives from the Tennessee Valley Authority, Athens Utilities, local and state officials and members of the Athens Mayor’s Youth Commission this week to celebrate Alabama Arbor Week with a tree planting event at Sunrise Park on Pryor Street.
While Alabama Arbor Week is traditionally observed Feb. 22 to 28, officials extended the local celebration to March 2 to mark the occasion.
The Tennessee Valley Authority supported the Sunrise Park project with a $50,200 investment for the purchase of native trees and plants. TVA and Athens Utilities also used the event as a teaching opportunity, instructing Youth Commissioners on the best methods and timing for planting native trees and explaining why native species are better suited for Alabama’s climate.
“It really helps me understand nature and how it helps our ecosystem,” Youth Commissioner Tanner Cannon said. “It’s going to overall help our environment.”
The students even named the three birch trees they helped plant Hank, Joffery and Mable.
Mayor Ronnie Marks said the event reflects the collaboration behind the larger Sunrise Park project.
“This project and today’s event are prime examples of what we can accomplish when we work together to enhance Athens,” Marks said. “Sunrise Park will be a tremendous asset for our community as a recreational destination, and in the future, with the mixed use development area, we will have housing and mom and pop stores that support not only park users, but our local economy. I appreciate TVA for its investment, both financially and educationally.”
The property was purchased from Pilgrim’s Pride after years of sitting vacant. The city is transforming the site into a park and mixed use development. The first phase, which is nearing completion, will include an inclusive playground, splash pad, shelter, restrooms, entrance and parking.
TVA Environmental Manager Paul Pearman said projects like Sunrise Park align with the agency’s mission of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
Athens Utilities Right of Way Manager Rhett Murphy said the partnership also supports Athens’ annual Tree City designation by promoting the importance of native trees and plants.
The city has also partnered with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management on watershed improvement projects funded by grants, including the installation of permeable pavers and additional native landscaping at the site.
Sunset Park is a recreational area with mixed-use development. City officials say the first phase of that project is nearing completion and will offer an inclusive playground, splash pad, shelter, bathrooms, an entrance and parking.
