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Teen 4‑H leader pitches a $1M barn for Pleasant Grove Park; county cautions approvals still required
Summary
McKinley Jones, 17, presented designs for a roughly 13,500 sq ft multipurpose barn at Pleasant Grove Park and said nearly $30,000 has been committed in donations; staff and supervisors noted permitting, potential HVAC/fire suppression and further approvals would be required before construction.
At the April 15 meeting, McKinley Jones, a 17‑year‑old 4‑H club president introduced by Kim Mayo of Virginia Cooperative Extension, presented a proposal to build a roughly 13,500‑square‑foot barn at Pleasant Grove Park.
Jones described the facility as a multiuse venue for livestock shows, auctions, farmers markets, agricultural education and community rentals such as weddings. She proposed siting the barn behind the property’s historic main house to preserve its front view, said the estimated total value could be as much as $1 million, and reported nearly $30,000 in committed cash donations from community supporters though formal fundraising had not begun.
Kim Mayo and other board members praised Jones’ leadership. Board members and staff asked technical questions about building systems: heating and air conditioning, commercial‑kitchen hood requirements and whether fire suppression would be needed. Andy Wills, identified in the meeting as a building official, provided preliminary input that some elements (kitchen hoods, permitting) would trigger additional code requirements.
County staff emphasized this was an informational presentation only; board members said the county would need further approvals before any county capital funds beyond a small capital investment contribution could be applied. Jones and supporters said they expect substantial in‑kind donations from local contractors and further fundraising events designed to close the funding gap.
The presentation ended with board encouragement to continue design and fundraising work. No formal action or commitment of county capital beyond previously approved capital investment funding was taken at the meeting.
