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The seven acres of land behind the manse was developed into a playground/park. In the spring of 1986, work began to build the shelter. The shelter, supported by heavy steel beams, contains two bathrooms, a storage room, and features a large fireplace with a white Ohio sandstone cross in the center. It has a concrete floor and ceiling of white pine. Preparing the land and building of the shelter was done by church members, who donated their time, talents and money.

 

The park is used on the first Sunday of June, July, August and September as Afternoon in the Park for church activities. Other activities are held year round such as Easter Sunrise Service, Scottish Communion, Vacation Bible School and private gatherings by reservation.

 

On October 28, 1986 the park was dedicated and named the Charlie Mackey Memorial Park, in loving memory of Charlie Mackey. An estimated 200 people participated in the afternoon activities including a service of dedication, recreation, fellowship and a cook out/covered dish dinner. At the same time an old farm dinner bell, presented by the Wade family children, was dedicated in memory of their grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Frank D. Wade.

 

A gazebo was designed by the Fred B. Neely, Jr. family. The gazebo was constructed in the center of the park with donations of money and some labor by family and friends of Clifton. On June 16, 1996 the gazebo was dedicated in loving memory of Tracey Allison Neely. The planting of flowers and maintenance on the Gazebo are provided by the Neely family.

 

In the summer of 2006 Fred Neely, Jr. in memory of his wife Emma, had the shelter enclosed with screens and sliding glass doors. Also in 2006 Jessica McMillion earned her Girl Scout Gold Award by building a permanent Labyrinth near the shelter.

Welcome to Clifton Presbyterian Church’s Charlie Mackey Park, we are glad that you are able to enjoy this wonderful facility.

 

The shelter at the park is used from the 1st Sunday in June through the last Sunday in August for an informal Church service at 10:00 every Sunday. Come join us for a beautiful service in a beautiful outdoor setting. 

 

Here are some FAQ’S about the park:

 

What is the fee for park usage?

There is no designated fee. Donations are accepted and will be used for park maintenance.

 

 

What about the keys?

The keys can be picked up at the church office from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM on Monday-Friday the week of your event. Please drop the keys off after your group leaves in the designated drop box at the church.

 

 

What about alcoholic beverages?

Alcohol, in any form, is not permitted at the park. Please respect the church’s property by making sure that all guests are aware of this policy.

 

 

What about the gas grill?

We ask that you do not use our gas grill. You are welcome to bring your own.

 

 

How do I open the restrooms?

The keys that you have opens the restrooms, storage closet and shelter doors.

 

 

What do I do about trash?

Please use you own garbage bags for trash collection. Take trash with you for disposal. We do not have trash pick-up at the park.

 

 

What about the salad bar?

You are welcome to use the refrigerated salad bar. It is controlled by a circuit breaker in the storage room. It takes several hours to cool down.

 

 

What about the recreation equipment?

There is a variety of recreational equipment in the storage room. Feel free to use whatever you need. We ask that sidewalk chalk not be used.

 

 

What if I discover a problem?

When you return the key to the church office (open 9:00 AM-1:00 PM; Thursday-Friday) please let the church office know if supplies (soap, paper towels, toilet tissue) are low or if anything seems to be working improperly.

 

 

What about vandalism?

The park has been vandalized in the past. We cannot be responsible for items left unattended at the park.

 

 

What about reservations?

Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. You will only have access to the park on the day(s) of your reservation(s).

 

 

What about the mowing?

During the week you might see the park mowing service. They only have so many days available to mow, but they will do their best to avoid your group.

 

 

Please remember that a group will be coming in shortly after your departure. When you leave, leave things as you found them or better.

 

Special Note:  If you reserve the park on a Saturday during the months of June, July, and August the shelter must be clean, floors swept, picnic table put back in place, pulpit put back in place, and all decorations, dishes, personal items removed that night. Our summer church service begins at the park every Sunday in the summer at 9:00 a.m. 

 

 

 

Charlie Mackey Memorial Park
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