Repair work now showing at Park Theater
After obtaining a $2,000 grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, members of the Park Theater Group are planning to hire a restoration consultant.
Additionally, they have announced plans for demolition of the old Social Security office using local volunteers instead of contractors willing to donate labor for materials. The group plans workdays at the theater each Saturday in February from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and began working last weekend.
“We’re really at the threshold of getting things going,” PTG chairperson Pam Pallas said. “This will be our first major step toward the restoration project.”
Pallas said the director of the Rose Center, a theatrical and education center in Morristown, Tenn., has agreed to come on board in late February or early March in hopes of gaining an understanding of citizens’ ideas and gauging governmental involvement.
Plans are for the consultant to meet with members of the group’s standing committees as well as meet with top local officials. Pallas said the consultant is expected to help define the direction in which the theater is moving.
With regard to demolition work, volunteers should bring their own tools, gloves, safety glasses or other safety equipment to the Saturday work sessions. Children should not be on-site, Pallas said, due to safety issues.
Additionally, the group is also seeking volunteers, including a plumber, to help dismantle water works. Those with construction experience, people who can clean and fill dumpsters or sort re-usable materials for giveaway, and cooks for lunches and snacks are also sought.
Pallas encourages anyone to attend regular group meetings, which are being held on Wednesdays. The next meeting is set for Feb. 19 at McMinnville Electric System from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.