By Betsy Finklea
The playground at Gordon Park was dedicated on Saturday morning to the memory of Alan Schafer. The playground equipment that was purchased, the walking track, and other improvements were made possible due largely to a contribution from The Schafer Foundation. Douglas Pernell was Master of Ceremonies. Judge Mackie Hayes was keynote speaker. Others participating in the program included Kathy Smith, Pastor Joyce Goings, Judge James E. Lockemy, Mayor Todd Davis, Senator Kent Williams, Councilman Randy Goings, and Bishop Eugene Campbell. Councilman Goings thanked the Schafer Foundation and all who made this possible and said they would keep moving forward. A monument recognizing the dedication of the playground to Alan Schafer was unveiled, and the playground was opened for children to play.

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UPDATE:

By Betsy Finklea
The playground at Gordon Park was dedicated to the memory of Alan Schafer on Saturday at a special ceremony.
The work at the park was paid for due largely in part to a $46,0000 grant from the Schafer Foundation.
The audience was welcomed by Douglas Pernell. Kathy Smith sang the National Anthem followed by prayer by Pastor Joyce Goings.
Judge James E. Lockemy, one of the speakers, said that as they dedicated the park that they must not forget the past and to those who gave to the Newtown community and the Dillon County community. He said that everyone must work together to make sure that this park is not a present of today, but a promise of tomorrow. He pledged $200 to a fund to help maintain the park.
Mayor Todd Davis was the next to speak. He said the park was much-needed in this area. He said a child needs a place to go and a park is where they can learn who they are while creating many childhood memories.
Senator Kent Williams also spoke about all those who brought this day to fruition. he said he saw it was missing a picnic shelter and said he would commit to working with them to get a first class picnic shelter at the park for gatherings such as reunions, etc. He said this was the beginning of a new day  in Newtown.
Douglas Pernell, the master of ceremonies, noted that the work was done was part of a donation from the Schafer Foundation. He said the Schafer Foundation looked at parks all over the county and they chose Newtown. He asked those in attendance to make the park the best park in the county. Pernell reminded them that they must take care of the park and if they see any activity that should not be taking place that they needed to report it to law enforcement. He recognized Winna Miller for her hard work on the project. Pernell said there was other work going on to try to improve Highway 57 and that working together they could help the community. Judge Mackie Hayes, the keynote speaker, said that the Schafer Foundation started in 1961 and had given over $5 million in Dillon County, Robeson County, and the State of South Carolina. He said that Alan Schafer never bragged about what he did and said he was proud to be a part of anything that helped the City of Dillon or the County of Dillon. On behalf of the Schafer Foundation and the employees of the Schafer companies, he told everyone to enjoy the park.
Councilman Randy Goings began his remarks by giving God the glory. He said it was amazing how folks who didn’t even live in the community saw the need and stepped up and made a great contribution like the Schafer Foundation. He also thanked Senator Kent Williams, Rep. Jackie Hayes, Duke Energy, and Winna Miller. Goings talked about his future dreams and plans for the park and said regardless of who the councilman is, they needed to keep moving forward.
Bishop Eugene Campbell gave the benediction.
Then a temporary plaque in memory of Alan Schafer was unveiled and some took a lap around the walking track. Refreshments were also enjoyed.