COMMUNITY PRIDE: Shown from left are: Joey Temples, Byron Hill, Mark Wallace, Jerry Matthews, Daryl Smith, Shelbie Lee, Buck Borchert and Aimee Quin.
Jodi Marze | Picayune Item

Friendship Park’s ball fields will receive new wood benches due to a discount from Phillips Building Supply and donations from the Exchange Club of Picayune and Pearl River County Home Builders Association, among many others.

The donated wood planks were loaded and ready for delivery on Thursday, and the many contributors gathered at Phillips to present the donation to city of Picayune Parks Director Heath Stevens.

PRCHBA member and Coast Electric representative Mark Wallace said members noticed the boards at the park were wearing out, so they decided to challenge themselves and the community to raise funds to fix the problem.

Byron Hill, of Mississippi Power, said the company would like to support the efforts of the community and improve the park’s condition.

“We appreciate the opportunity to donate,” Hill said.

Phillips Building Supply provided the lumber at a substantially lower price than retail, Wallace said.

Store manager Jerry Matthews said that Phillips is happy to contribute and support the community.

The city of Picayune will provide the labor for the project.

Other donors include Southern Pipe, Eagle Builders, Quin Electric, Holiday Inn Express, 84 Lumber, Charlie’s Custom Colors, Charles Lee, Melissa Bond, Wedge Custom Homes and P.J. Williamson.

PRCHBA member Joey Temples said the organization appreciates everyone’s help that will make this project a success.