WHAT A DIFFERENCE!  These before & after photos of 2 wooden swings that were replaced, & the steel frames painted, demonstrate what a little money, bright-colored Rustoleum paint & 2 afternoons of volunteer labor can do.  This was a community service project to benefit users of McRae Park & Alpena's north side neighborhood, which was completed by volunteers from our Alpena County Democratic Party.  Also, an adjacent park bench was sanded & stained with protective weatherproofing, 3 child swing-set frames were painted, & a bouncy-ride received a bright blue facelift.  Almost $550 was donated by Alpena County Democrats to a GoFundMe account set up for this project.

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The idea for this community project arose during a discussion at one of ACDP's occasional social dinners in early 2023.  This is why our gatherings are so important - they help us find ways to take positive action.

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McRae Park is regularly used by summer baseball leagues, pickleball & basketball players, & families enjoying the playground equipment.  McRae Park has suffered from visible neglect over the years, but it's gotten recent attention this year from our local Democrats, the Lions Club & the City.  Our ACDP submitted a formal Adopt-A-Park application to the City of Alpena.

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Next year we plan to help the McRae Park Association paint their Community Building (built in 1948) & hopefully incorporate a wished-for wall mural.  Small improvements like this, along with repaving Second Avenue beyond Miller Street, should help attract more visitors & small business development to Alpena's north side.