Darlington City Council approves construction bid for boardwalks

Darlington City Council on Monday night approved a low bid of $133,033 for construction of boardwalks in pristine Williamson Park.

The bid was submitted by Henley Construction Co. of Cheraw. Henley is familiar with the park, having constructed previous boardwalks in the park, which was given to the city in the 1920s by the late Bright Williamson.

The original estimated costs for the bridge, walkway and trail improvements was $220,000, but it was pared down to $150,000, the amount the city had budgeted for the renovations.

Speaking at Council’s April meeting, Williamson Park Committee member Jennie Williamson said, “Thousands and thousands of hours of volunteer time has been dedicated to Williamson Park from people all over the area, not just from Darlington. Thanks to the steadfast dedication and tremendous amount of time donated by Andy and Peggy Cohen, who don’t even live in Darlington, the park looks better that it has in eight or more years — and all that without increased city money.”

Williamson said if the city will support the park’s master plan, much good can be built on the volunteer work, donated materials and tens of thousands of dollars of donated funds that have been spent in and on the park, especially during the past five years.

Williamson said volunteer projects last year and this spring have included people from Darlington, Hartsville and even Florence, including Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology students, Darlington High students, Eagle Scouts, park neighbors and Honda of Florence plant employees.

In other action, the city governing body heard from Milton Small of the U. S. Census Bureau. He said although April 1 is the actual census date, he committed to improving the Census response in Darlington and the other areas he’s assigned to in the Pee Dee.

“The 2010 Census will define who we are as a nation, affect political representation and direct the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding,” he said. “I’m asking you to help us reach out to churches, civic club and others to reach the people we need to reach.”

Specifically, Small asked the city to establish a Complete Count Committee, which would be comprised of citizens from every level. He said “we will train these individuals.” More information on training and recruitment is available at 2010census.gov.

“The theme of the 2010 Census is that it is easy, safe and confidential,” Small said. “The information will be safeguarded for 70 years. We want to count everybody.”