Teens Spend Free Time to Build Park in Sanford

Some Sanford teenagers are learning an important lesson about giving back to the community. They are dedicating their free afternoons to building a park.

The park is located in the Jonesboro section of Sanford. The Junior ROTC cadets are transforming an empty lot into a park dedicated to the Jonesboro Women's Garden Club.

"We want to give back," says Matthew Harrington, a Junior ROTC cadet. "We want to be recognized as a good group of people."

The cadets razed an old house on the lot. After a couple of weeks of digging, raking and planting, the students are already breaking ground. The city wanted to complete the project four years ago, but they never got around to it.

For the cadets, it was the perfect opportunity to do a little community service.

"Kids don't get a lot of credit for being a positive influence in the community," says Maj. John Howard. "When they get a chance to do something like this, they get excited."

The cadets work on the park every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. They hope to have the park finished before the holidays.