CANTON, GA (Nov. 5, 2020) – Kenney Askew Memorial Park and the Richard Mauldin Sports Complex will get some additional TLC thanks to the Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong initiative.
Representatives from Pilgrim’s attended the Nov. 3 Cherokee Board of Commissioners work session to present the $250,000 check.
Pilgrim’s, a leading global food company, has seven plants in Georgia including one in Canton. This funding is part of $20 million the company plans to invest in cities nationwide through an initiative called “Hometown Strong,” which is aimed at making positive community impacts.
“We applied for the grant several weeks ago and are thrilled to be announced as a recipient,” said Cherokee County Community Services Agency Director Bryan Reynolds. “The county will match the grant money, using funds from the Special Local Option Sales Tax, to make improvements to Kenny Askew Memorial Park and the Richard Mauldin Sports Complex.”
Improvements include adding a walking track, picnic pavilion, playground, skate park, and an additional overflow parking lot. Existing park features slated to be improved include updates to the t-ball field, pickleball courts and the park landscaping.
“We are so excited to partner with the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency, and we look forward to the completion of this project,” said Pilgrim’s Canton Complex Manager Brian Wright. “Through Hometown Strong, we want to make meaningful impacts in the communities where our team members live and work.”
The Pilgrim facility in Canton employs 700 people with an annual payroll of more than $23 million, while also supporting 113 poultry growers, paying out more than $17 million each year for their chickens, company officials said.
PHOTO CAPTION: Representatives from Pilgrim’s presented a $250,000 check to Cherokee County at Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners’ work session. Pictured, from left, are: Art Mann, Pilgrim’s Canton Plant Manager; Brian Wright, Pilgrim’s Canton Complex Manager; Matt Chastain, Pilgrim’s Canton Live Operations Manager; Cherokee BOC Chairman Harry Johnston; Martha Covington, Pilgrim’s Canton Administrative Assistant; Jay Worley, Cherokee Recreation and Parks Director; Bryan Reynolds, Cherokee Community Services Agency Director; and Jordan Wood, Cherokee Parks Division Director.
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