Arbor Day at New Clayton Community Center

Mayor Jody McLeod and Assistant County Ranger Doug White led the ceremonial planting of trees Friday on the grounds of the new Clayton Community Center, in celebration of Arbor Day.

The event, which attracted a crowd to the new Center on Amelia Church Road, also celebrated Clayton's fourth year as a "Tree City USA" town and the commitment town officials have made to maintain the area's small-town charm despite rapid growth.

"We intend to do all we can to preserve the beauty of Clayton as we grow," the Mayor said. "That has been a priority for us and will continue to be."

Town officials began an ambitious tree preservation program here a few years ago, winning status as a Tree City while building a database of every tree in town, tracking their age, kind, size and condition for a professional tree management program. Subdivision regulations have been tightened to require greater saving of trees in new developments, and new rules are in place requiring more bushes and shrubs on the US 70 corridor through town. In addition, new trees have been planted all over town.

The festivities gave residents a look at their new Community Center, which officially opens its doors Sunday, April 11 from 2 to 4 pm with a host of activities and a formal ceremony. The facility will be in active use during the opening event, with games in the gymnasium, special demonstrations of arts and athletics and special activities for children.

"It's going to be quite a celebration," said Town Manager Steve Biggs, who has long championed upgrades to the town's recreational facilities. "I believe residents will be impressed with what they see."

The Parks & Recreation staff moved into the new 30,000-sq.-ft. complex some time ago, but getting started with classes and programs there, as well as the official opening, was delayed until recently while streets and traffic control near the facility were upgraded to safely handle the anticipated traffic flow.

In addition to classrooms and a gymnasium, the complex also features a childcare center, an indoor elevated walking track and a lighted patio suitable for events and receptions.

Last year's Arbor Day ceremony was headlined by Cooper Elementary School's First Grade Global Studies class who joined Mayor McLeod and Ranger White in planting new trees at the school.