Credit union donates picnic tables
A donation from a local business will ensure people who want to eat lunch in a quiet spot or families who want to picnic can do so at Columbia’s Bluff Street Park.
Ferguson Federal Credit Union recently donated four picnic tables to the city park, which overlooks the Pearl River.
“We did it as a community project,” Kathy Morgan, Columbia branch manager, said. “I enjoy this park. It could be a great place for families. It’s beautiful to me.”
Ferguson chose local woodworker Bernard Smith to make the tables. Smith, who lost the use of his legs in 2000, said he was excited to do it in Columbia.
“It’s my hometown,” the 1984 East Marion High School graduate said. “This became my new occupation after I was paralyzed. I like to build picnic tables and garbage bins. I’ve got them all over the Pine Belt. It’s a great feeling to do something that will be here in my community.”
Ferguson Marketing Specialist Kim Gingell said the credit union hopes to continue to help make community improvements in the future.
“We try to find projects to take on,” she said. “Kathy found this one, and we decided to do it. We let each branch take on a project. Our first step was donating these tables. We’re excited to see what we can provide.”
Mayor Justin McKenzie thanked Ferguson for the efforts and said the donation was significant.
“This is one step further in enhancing and improving our city,” he said. “This allows people options for places to go. You could have a quiet picnic or a birthday party in Bluff Street Park. It’s peaceful. This is a step in the right direction.”
Pictured Above: Ferguson Federal Credit Union Columbia Branch Manager Kathy Morgan, Mayor Justin McKenzie and Ferguson Marketing Specialist Kim Gingell pose with one of the new picnic tables in Bluff Street Park. | Photo by Mark Rogers
