Matthew Greene, Operations Manager for the Emmet office of Energy Transfer explained the relationship between the company and those working to improve conditions in the children’s playground on the site of the old Ark La Village, an 1880s mock-pioneer-era park constructed in 1959 and closed in 1970. 

“Last year, Miss Deanna [Allen of Emmet Vision Association] called, and they were having issues with this playground. It had old crossties and rebar sticking up, and we wanted to help,” Greene said.  

To receive grants, EVA had to become a 501(3c) non-profit.  But the grant from Energy Transfer was already on its way.  So EVA partnered with the Emmet Library Club, which is already a nonprofit, to receive the grant.  But a small complication arose. It was mailed but not received.  So the first check had to be cancelled and a second mailed. 

EVA has its nonprofit status now and will therefore be able to apply for and receive grants from companies and government agencies to help improve Emmet. 

After all the confusion was straightened out, the check presentation was scheduled for the playground at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday and all was saved.  

Two thousand dollars will go toward the purchase of an all-weather barrier fence that will help keep children away from the stacks of crossties.  “There is a plastic type border that most of your parks use now that fits together like a puzzle piece that is more weather proof,” Allen said.

Five hundred will be a start toward raising funds and buying playground equipment appropriate for toddler-aged children. 

After the photos were taken, Greene offered equipment and workers from Energy Transfer who can assist in fence-construction and clearing safety problems from near the playground set. “Our company also allows us to do volunteer hours. So if you need help putting it together, [we have] 10 men in this office and seven in another in El Dorado. Everybody likes doing that kind of stuff,” he said.

The offer was gladly accepted.