By Terry Schrimscher, For the Tribune
SPRINGVILLE – Representatives from T-Mobile visited Springville on Monday night, Oct. 9, to officially award a grant to the city. The Hometown Grant was announced in September and will be matched by the city. Funds will be used to revitalize the farmer’s market area in the historic downtown district.
Members of the Springville City Council joined Rick Hopkins, Parks and Recreation Director, at the Springville Farmer’s Market to welcome the guests from T-Mobile, some of whom traveled from as far away as Texas to attend.
“T-Mobile is committed to investing $25 million in small towns over the next five years,” said Josiah Burdette, Rural Market Manager, speaking on behalf of T-Mobile. “Springville was one of 25 applicants awarded a grant this quarter out of more than 600 applicants.”
Burdette thanked local store manager Samantha Dobbs for her good work at the store and for presenting the grant idea to the city. Burdette and Dobbs officially presented a $50,000 check to the city at the downtown event, which also featured a pumpkin decorating contest hosted by the Springville Chamber of Commerce.
The Springville City Council voted in September to match the funds for the grant, bringing the total for the revitalization project to $100,000.
Speaking to the Trussville Tribune, Hopkins detailed some of the plans for the venue renovations. The existing covered area will be removed and replaced by a pergola structure which will include a stage. The retaining wall along Robinson Street will be extended up the hill and the entire market area will get new planters to replace existing ones.
“We hope to start by the end of the month,” Hopkins said. He added the plans also include increased parking behind the venue accommodating an additional 30-50 cars. “Once I get the gravel in, I hope to try to get somebody to pave it for us.”
“It is nice seeing this area being used,” he added.
The farmer’s market is located on the corner of Main Street (U.S. Hwy 11) and Robinson Street between the Woodall Building, which is currently being used as an events venue, and the old Crown Binder building, which is currently being leased to Springville Water Company, LLC, which plans to market a brand of bottled water from the natural springs on the property and open a restaurant in the building.
When renovations are complete, the market area will be available for private events and will begin officially functioning as a certified farmer’s market in June. Seniors who participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) will be able to purchase with their cards.