Construction started last week on the newest attraction at Living History Park.
The Olde Towne Preservation Association hired a crew to begin construction of a 12-foot-diameter gazebo in the park's Sensory Garden. Lynn Thompson, the president of the association, which operates the park, said the gazebo should be completed this week.
It is expected to be the focal point of the garden and will help disguise a pump that circulates water through a man-made creek in the garden, she said. The pump has been covered by boards.
"It's kind of been on the back burner of our wish list," she said. "We wanted something that would make a statement, but yet complement the garden (and correct) a safety issue with the water (feature)."
The association has raised about half of the $7,500 cost of the gazebo and is asking for corporate and individual donations to help cover the remaining cost.
"We're going to be borrowing off money that has been designated for something else" until donations make up the difference, Thompson said.
Approximately 90 percent of money donated to the nonprofit group goes toward operating and maintaining the park and its events.
The gazebo should enhance what the park has to offer. Thompson said she can envision its being used by touring groups, storytellers and artisans.
"It's going to be a place where we can have an artist come in and play, and the sound -- you can hear it resonate all over the park," Thompson said.
"It (also will offer) great picture opportunities."
Donations can be made to OTPA, P.O Box 7915, North Augusta, S.C. 29861. For more information, call the association at (803) 279-7560.
Reach J. Scott Trubey at scott.trubey@northaugustatoday.com.
