The recent Robbins Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting on March 14 saw more than just the town staff tackling the usual civic responsibilities. Notably, the Town of Robbins was presented with a check for $42,000 from Ellie Jean Project.
The Ellie Jean Project, an ongoing charitable project spanning the past eight years, aims to create inclusive playgrounds and raise awareness of the importance of play spaces for all children, regardless of their abilities. Recently, the project focused on fundraising for new, inclusive playground equipment for Robbins and successfully raised $42,000.
“It’s not everything that we wanted to give you,” said Leslie Clothier, founder of the organization and mother of Ellie. “We wanted to give you hundreds and hundreds more, but let me tell you, the little County of Moore … every single dime of this came from our people. And it’s coming right here to Robbins, North Carolina. I pray that you take this money and you build a playground that a lot of your kids in your community, just like Ellie, so deservingly need.”
Town Manager Clint Mack promised that the money would be used well and that children in the Robbins community would benefit from the upgrades now made possible. “You have our word that we’ll put every dollar to use for children, absolutely,” he said.
The project celebrates every individual’s unique abilities, emphasizing inclusivity and the importance of surpassing limitations. By providing specially designed equipment and amenities, the project provides opportunities for children with disabilities to engage in adventurous and socially enriching outdoor play in safe, enjoyable play spaces alongside their non-disabled peers and siblings.
The Ellie Jean Project has seen significant strides made in Moore County these past eight years. Previously, the project raised around $188,000 through crowdfunding for Carthage Elementary School, allowing them to install three new pieces of inclusive, accessible equipment. Furthermore, an all-inclusive playground has been built in Carthage at Hillcrest Park.
After the check was presented, the meeting moved forward with new business.
Mack discussed the progress made in addressing the pothole by the post office, which has been a growing issue in the community. “Public Works noticed we paid to have that pothole by the post office filled last year, [but it] started sinking a little more and a little more,” he explained. Contractors found that a junction box had been cracked, allowing water to seep around it. “It’s not a public safety issue right now, but it could be in three to six months, easily.”
Due to heavy daily usage, especially from school traffic, the town wants to address the issue “as quickly as possible.” Contractors have already been contacted, and once a contract is formed and approved, the work is estimated to take around three days to complete.
In addition, Mack also addressed the upcoming U.S. Open as the entirety of Moore County begins to ramp up in anticipation.
“The opportunity of like 67,000 people that are going to be here: how do we fit into that?” questioned Mack. He noted that Town Clerk Jessica Coltrane has been planning a summer concert series for entertainment and that Robbins is continuing to make assorted town improvements for summer visitors.
Feature photo by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Melissa Schaub.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Abegail Murphy.
