The also believe they have the coolest bridge in the county.  You know what?  They just may be right! 

This bridge traverses a creek that winds through Trenton Memorial Park and soccer fans will cross the bridge to arrive at new soccer fields on the west side of the park. 

Trenton Memorial Park, the only public park facility in Trenton, had originally been constructed 20 years ago.  Not only had time and weather taken a toll on the aging facilities, but times have changed for this city as well.  Trenton is located in the fastest growing quadrant of Fannin County.  The shadow of the Metroplex inches closer every day and our neighbors to the south are enchanted by the peaceful, wide open spaces and solitude Fannin County has to offer.  Trenton has a new high school and it was time for a new park.  So, the city leaders, county officials and area residents rolled up their sleeves and went to work.   

Fannin County Commissioner Stan Barker has been instrumental in assisting the city with hauling rock for the parking areas and roadways. The Texas Department of Transportation has donated recycled asphalt paving for the walk/ jog trail. The Trenton Ag Department is working to construct eight picnic tables for the park as part of a student project. 

Countless people have worked behind the scenes to develop this remarkable project, however the park could not taken shape this quickly without the tireless efforts of Dan Devoe, Kim Nichols, Allen Lambright, Rusty Lambert, Jamie Bledsoe, Stephanie Behrens, Dean Withrow and Sammy Puyear.

"So, as you can see, these improvements have truly been a community project with a capital C," explains Jessica Kaltenbach.  "This project is a true testament to the amazing spirit of civil service and volunteerism in the City of Trenton."

With a total project cost estimated to approach half a million dollars, it was imperative that funding for the park renovation come from a variety of sources.  The City of Trenton applied for a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Outdoor Recreational Grants Program and was awarded a $231,050 grant, however those funds require an equal amount of local match to be expended on the project, as well.

Financial contributions from the Trenton Economic Development Corporation, monetary donations from private citizens in the community, donations of material and labor from the county and other local vendors, along with the outpouring of volunteer labor from local residents determined to build a park the city will truly be proud of for years to come will comprise the matching funds required by the TPWD grant. 

And Trenton residents have every right to be proud of such an amazing achievement. For example, the playground was put together with 100% volunteer labor.  The cost savings by volunteers installing/constructing this playground (versus a professional company installation) was more than $75,000!

The ball fields are also being put together with volunteer labor.  The project needs to be completed by January 31, 2009 in order to be ready for spring baseball.

This is where you can help be a part of an historical achievement.  

With cold weather approaching, volunteers are needed to complete several projects.  Even if your contribution to Trenton Memorial Park is cookies and water to lift the spirit of the workers, it won't be forgotten.   Volunteers are out at the park every Saturday morning starting at 8:30.   And if the special feeling that goes along with being part of a remarkable community project such as this park renovation isn’t enough motivation, just think about how it will feel when you watch the teams take the field for the first time this spring.