Data center covers playground equipment as Columbiana finalizes downtown park

Mayor Stancil Handley told the City Council on June 16 that a data‑center company has paid the invoice for playground equipment and resurfacing at the new downtown playground near Old Mill Square Park. “They looked at the invoice and wrote us a check for that amount,” the mayor said, praising the donation as a “very positive tangible contribution.”

The city said work on the pavilion and restrooms is nearly complete, fencing is installed on three sides, crews have bolted some equipment to newly cut concrete and two pallets of sod have been laid. The administration said the surfacing will require about two days to cure before the last section of fencing goes up and the park can open; a ribbon cutting will follow Liberty Day celebrations.

Public Works Director Alan reported that county crews and local contractor Eagle Construction contributed labor for the restroom and roofing work. The mayor also thanked other donors and volunteers and said the city will announce contributors at the ribbon cutting. The mayor confirmed the private donation covered equipment and resurfacing costs but did not state a dollar amount.

A resident asked during public comment whether other council members had donated their salaries to the park; the mayor said she had donated her salary and that the clerk, Charlene, had processed the cleared check. No other council donations were reported in the meeting.

Next steps: installers will complete surfacing and final fence installation after curing, then the city will schedule a ribbon cutting and acknowledge donors.