ATHENS, Ala. — "Connectivity and togetherness" were the two themes of Athens Mayor, Ronnie Marks address to the city of Athens in regards to the state of the community.
"In a fast growing community that we have, you know, it's easy to brag about the wonderful things going on. But we've also got to look at the weak areas and to try to build those up," says Marks.
And when discussing building up the city the first thing that comes to mind is funding. Marks says funding is not only essentials but it is critical.
The Communication Specialist for the city, Holly Hollman shares the significance of cost and connections in relation to Athen's new Sunrise Park which is currently a work in progress. "And 1 million sounds like a lot of money. And so you look at what some of these things cost. This is a photo of a wheelchair swing that we will have at the park. The frame, the swing and the installation along is about $75,000. That does not include all the other playground equipment we're looking at."
Although growth and positives happening in the city were the main themes of the address, Mayor Marks also addressed the challenges the city is currently facing as well.
"I think all of us in the fast growing area is challenged by workforce. We're challenged by the lack of childcare arrangements for younger people, and we're more and more challenged with affordable housing. And those are three big things. And I don't know exactly how you resolve some of those, but that's where we talk about it. It really is important that we work together."