Mayor Charlotte Young and Camden city employees are preparing for a "big check" reveal after receiving an exclusive grant from a major mobile carrier.
This week, T-Mobile announced its latest round of Hometown Grant recipients, with 275 communities across 46 states now part of the exclusive crew that will receive funding and support to fuel local projects that help people connect and innovate. Camden is one of 25 cities being awarded this round, according to Young.
The grant will revitalize an empty lot and former library space into an outdoor community green space, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, environmental sustainability and recreational opportunities, according to T-Mobile's website.
With the big news, Young will celebrate the blessing with a gathering complete with refreshments, the Camden-Fairview High School Band, and T-Mobile provided solar eclipse glasses. The event shall be called "Total Eclipse of Park."
"I am elated with this opportunity for improvement through this grant," said Young as she added, " Everyone is invited to attend the big check reveal."
The reveal happens at 11 a.m. April 5 in the former library lot across from the Methodist Church.
Since providing more than $12 million in Hometown Grants since T-Mobile kicked off its five-year commitment to small towns in April 2021, they are well on its way to hitting the program's $25 million mark.
The current grant cycle closes on March 31.
Hometown Grants is T-Mobile's way of giving people who live in small towns and rural communities a chance to transform the places they call home. Through community development initiatives across infrastructure, education, technology, environment and more, T-Mobile is helping to create a stronger and more resilient future for communities nationwide --and is now extending its impact to include towns in Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Nebraska.
Here are the next 25 Hometown Grant recipients and their projects:
Jacksonville, Ala.: Build a gazebo at the Public Safety Complex Lake, to provide a covered outdoor space for fishing enthusiasts and community gatherings.
Camden, Ark.: Revitalize an empty lot and former library space into an outdoor community green space, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, environmental sustainability and recreational opportunities.
*Russellville, Ark.: Repair the Riggs-Hamilton American Legion Post 20, updating the 90-year-old building's interior with ADA accessible restrooms.
Ukiah, Calif.: Transform the United Disaster Relief of Northern California (UDRNC) Resource Center into a warm, home-like environment for those impacted by a disaster, including lounge areas, new cozy furniture, upgraded technology and toys and games for children.
Mashantucket, Conn.: Launch the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN) Business Tech Center, aimed to support tribal entrepreneurs with tools and resources to turn business ideas into successful, strategically planned business ventures.
Cordele, Ga.: Complete historic building renovations for the new home of the Culture Arts Center, a hub for community services, afterschool programs and cultural arts festivals.
Hogansville, Ga.: Revitalize the historic 1937 Royal Theatre, with upgrades to the building's electrical so it can serve as a theatrical hub for the community and increase downtown vitality.
Clinton, Iowa: Restore and reopen the Vince Jetter Community Center, providing expanded outstanding programs and services to underserved youth and families in the community.
Spencer, Iowa: Transform the Spencer Public Library courtyard into a musical garden, providing an interactive and inclusive outdoor space in the heart of downtown Spencer.
*Angola, Ind.: Expand the existing Imagine Alley, in partnership with Easterseals RISE and Relic Emporium, by creating a vibrant mural promoting kindness and inclusivity.
Bourbon, Ind.: Launch the "4-H Poss-ABILITIES Program," an initiative aimed at providing inclusive youth livestock experiences, pairing K-12 grade special needs students with 4-H mentors.
*El Dorado, Kan.: Complete the El Dorado Center, an outdoor venue dedicated to hosting a variety of entertainment and sporting events for the community and visitors.
Hammond, La.: Install a public safety communications system at Chappapeela Sports Park, to ensure the safety of the community.
Northampton, Mass.: Install artistic lighting on the Main Street railway underpass in downtown Northampton to increase pedestrian safety and improve walkability.
Hattiesburg, Miss.: Renovate Vernon Dahmer Park, installing new playground equipment and upgrades to the fire-damaged pavilion for the community to enjoy and host events.
Laurel, Miss.: Create the Laurel-Jones County Library Bookmobile, a refurbished trolley enabled to provide technology on the go for those living in underserved, rural areas across the county.
McComb, Miss.: Establish the first-ever McComb Museum of Music, renovating an existing Main Street building to highlight the community's local artists and musical history.
Goldsboro, N.C.: Install automatic doors at the Wayne Opportunity Center, providing a safe, accessible and inclusive environment for the community.
Hickory, N.C.: Update the Samuel Davis Field at Taft Broome Park, making improvements to the field's turf, PA system, netting and fencing, to provide an updated facility for sports and community events and preserve the rich history of the former Ridgeview High School.
Murphy, N.C.: Revamp the new Cherokee County Sharing Center food pantry building, including restrooms and a large wash sink for produce, to continue to provide vital meals to families in need.
Columbus, Neb.: Construct an all-inclusive community playground in the heart of downtown near the Columbus Community Building which houses the public library, children's museum, city hall and more.
Lovelock, Nev.: Renovate Amherst Park, creating a fitness court with new fitness equipment to provide the community with a dedicated outdoor space to promote physical wellness.
Independence, Ore.: Build an inclusive, natural play area at the Sunset Meadows Nature Park, including a play climbing net, log crawl, ADA swing set and seating for the residential community to enjoy.
Herminie, Pa.: Establish a comprehensive career training lab within the Yough School District to prepare students for the workforce and create sustainable growth within the community.
Sun Prairie, Wis.: Install solar panels on the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce building, providing a sustainable energy solution while continuing to foster connections and growth in the community.
To select Hometown Grant recipients, T-Mobile partners with Main Street America and Smart Growth America to assess applications based on their level of detail, community impact, feasibility and other considerations. Each quarter, T-Mobile awards 25 Hometown Grants to small towns with populations of 50,000 or less. To apply for a Hometown Grant, visit here.