As progress continues on Sampson Community College’s Develop the East project, the college welcomed another group for a tour of the grounds. Members of the Sampson County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) were on campus to see the fruits of their investment.
The CVB contributed $10,000 to the project which includes the park benches that have been staged along the walking trail. “We are here to see first stages of Develop the East,” says Sheila Barefoot, Executive Director Sampson County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We afforded a capital grant to SCC for phase one, and we have donated all the benches. We were just able to sit on them for the first time. We are very excited about this project and cannot wait for phase two and three to begin!”
Develop the East was a result of student and community interest in recreation-related events at the college. The area is expected to host outdoor events and performances at the college that are open to the residents of Sampson County. The SCC Foundation continues to raise funds for Develop the East. The walking trail, lighting, and park benches have already been installed. Plans to extend the trail and add other items are on the drawing board.
Lisa Turlington, Executive Director of the SCC Foundation, has taken the lead on keeping the project on the front burner. “We appreciate the interest and support of the CVB and look forward to partnering on projects that will attract visitors to Sampson County,” noted Turlington.
Barefoot agrees. “The Convention and Visitors Bureau was able to play a part in making this project visitor-friendly, tourism-friendly, and local-friendly, and we are excited to be a part of it.” For more information about the project, contact Turlington at lturlington@sampsoncc.edu.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
