Ground broken for new human foosball court

Mayor Kurt Maddox (center) joins fellow Lions Club members at the shovel to turn the first earth for the city's new human foosball court, sponsored by the Lions Club and Gravette businessman Danny White. Jeff Davis is secretary-treasurer of the local club, district secretary and district newsletter editor. Bill Mattler is president of the Gravette Lions Club and District 7-I zone chairman.

Mayor Kurt Maddox (center) joins fellow Lions Club members at the shovel to turn the first earth for the city's new human foosball court, sponsored by the Lions Club and Gravette businessman Danny White. Jeff Davis is secretary-treasurer of the local club, district secretary and district newsletter editor. Bill Mattler is president of the Gravette Lions Club and District 7-I zone chairman.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

GRAVETTE -- Members of the Gravette Lions Club gathered at Pop Allum Park Saturday morning, March 3, to break ground for the city's new human foosball court. Mayor Kurt Maddox was present and helped man the shovel to turn the first earth.

Myrna McGee, district governor of Arkansas Lions Clubs, and Patty O'Bannon, district chair for diabetes awareness, both of Bella Vista, were special guests and were introduced.

Bill Mattler, president of the Gravette Lions Club, welcomed guests and gave special thanks to Danny White, owner of Cardinal Corner Pawn Shop, who first proposed the project. He also thanked Mayor Maddox and city council members who approved the initial plans, parks department supervisor Tim Dewitt, Lions Club members and everyone who has supported building the court.

Mayor Maddox, a Lions Club member, spoke briefly and said he was excited about the project and felt it would be a "great thing" for Gravette. He predicted it would be heavily used and would be a real asset to the city. Two of his sons, Austin Maddox and Andrew Maddox, were present and said they plan to play on the court when it is completed.

Mattler noted that the foosball court project is the culmination of efforts by businessmen, community members and city officials. Not every community can secure such cooperation, he said, "but here we are and we have done it."

Jeff Davis, secretary-treasurer of the Lions Club, said it is really good to begin actual work on the court after almost a year of planning and preparation.

Work days are planned each weekend in March and early April, weather permitting. The next scheduled work day is Saturday, March 10, at 9 a.m., when post holes will be dug and posts set. Volunteer workers are still being sought. Anyone interested in helping with the project should call Mattler at 479-640-1199 or Davis at 479-787-1068.

Community on 03/07/2018