Lowe’s employees and Triana youth worked together at Flamingo Park. (CONTRIBUTED)

TRIANA – A philanthropic gesture by a Madison store, along with lots of elbow grease by residents, has prepared Flamingo Park in Triana to better accommodate the community’s families as spring approaches.

Last fall, Lowe’s Home Improvement Store in Madison selected the Triana park for its Lowe’s Heroes program.

More than 10 years ago, Lowe’s Heroes was founded as a volunteer program for employees to work side-by-side with residents to build a better community. Most projects involve a non-profit organization or public school.

“The Lowe’s employees have been a true partner to the community,” Triana Mayor Mary Caudle said. “They helped greatly. (The project) really helped bring volunteers and our community together.”

“It brought out all of the people. Even the children were working at the park,” Caudle said. Two Triana churches served lunch to all the volunteers. About 12 Lowe’s employees helped with work. “The rest were Triana citizens. Tommy Ragland, who is probate judge, and former councilman Larry Harris volunteered.”

Caudle said the city presented certificates to the youth that volunteered. “The certificates can help with scholarship applications. We want (volunteering) to be a habit for them.”

New tables are ready for picnics at Flamingo Park. (CONTRIBUTED)

One of the first tasks was a general cleanup, moving dilapidated fixtures and removing debris. “We pressure washed the existing structures and pavilion and repaired any needs,” Caudle said. Lowe’s donated trash receptacles and new picnic tables.

A new pavilion stands as a bright jewel from the project. New flowerbeds will add color and life, and shrubbery defines the outdoor space. Caudle estimates the supplies from Lowe’s were worth about $8,000.

The Triana City Council includes Caudle, pro temp Teresa Nelson, George Ragland, Jurlene Rogers, Maralene Freeman and Alisha Glover.

In 2010, Triana has chosen for Lowe’s Heroes and received $10,000 in improvements, Caudle said.