While attendance at Lewis County's Memorial Park has been less this year, due mainly to the Coronavirus pandemic's effect on youth sports, the facility, just north of the court house, has seen significant upgrades completed during the summer.

The razing of a 1950s or 60s era pavilion last year, made room for new restrooms and a new pavilion, just inside the Smith Street entrance, adjacent to the Girl Scout building.

A joint effort of the Park Board, Lewis County Government and the City of Hohenwald with additional grant funding from the state of Tennessee Health Department, the project was blessed by contributions by local businessmen as well.

Norris Construction, owned by Coy Norris, was the contractor who provided materials, labor and concrete. With the added plus of All Around Underground owner Chris Trull, who bored sewer lines under the parking lot, the facility saw little disruption.

Bonded pipe was provided by the City of Hohenwald, that "never rots and roots won't grow through it because the seams are welded," Park Board Chairman Don Barber explained. "Without the boring by All Around Underground, digging up the area to put in sewer lines would have messed up the Park. Not to mention the expense to replace pavement," he added.

Park Director Randall Hinson oversaw project.

The new pavilion is 24 feet wide and 120 feet long. It contains two restrooms and a mechanical room in which all plumbing can be accessed and insulated.

Pored concrete walls and a steel reinforced roof allows the facility to be used as a tornado shelter for the community or anyone who is in the park during inclement weather.

The Park Board has been allowed by Lewis County to retain their budget surplus each year which the group rolled over, Chairman Barber explained. "This allowed savings for the Park Board."

Funds generated by the swimming pool and building rentals, the park were saved. A $25,000 state of Tennessee Health Department grant helped cover the total cost of $125,000.

Waterless urinals in the men's restroom were installed with water conservation in mind. Park Board Chairman Don Barber explained the urinals contain an oil product to assist with the flush then park maintenance will add water periodically to keep the urinals clean.

With virtually no maintenance, the new facility was constructed with 40 year heavy duty metal, guaranteed to "hold its Old Town Grey color, Norris added.

Sixteen new aluminum picnic tables at $9228 were purchased with extra budget funds, which would have been used for the pool, had it opened this year.

"It was a fun project really," Mr. Norris commented. "It was for the community and different from regular construction." Designed by park board and built by Norris, the pavilion is hoped to last for years and provide a gathering spot for generations of Lewis County residents and their families.