Ironworker Volunteers Construct Pavilion at Langston City Park
Ironworker Apprentices Gain On-the-Job Training While Saving the City Money, Benefiting the Public
Local residents and visitors to Langston, Alabama, have a new city park pavilion to enjoy thanks to the work completed by union volunteers from Ironworkers Local 92 through the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) Work Boots on the Ground (WBG) conservation program.
Located on the shore of sprawling Lake Guntersville, the recently completed project was a joint effort between the city of Langston, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the USA, which brings together union members to donate their time and trade skills for conservation.
“The city of Langston provided funds for materials,” said Bart Maddox, Local 92 business manager/financial secretary-treasurer, “and the ADCNR did all the groundwork. Fifteen local members in our apprentice training program, accompanied by training instructors Marcidan Frazier and Lane Kelton and instructor-in-training Joshua Chadwick, then spent three workdays completing the project.”
The volunteers set the roof elevation and installed trusses, purlins and roof decking, donating 332 labor hours worth $17,596.
“It was a win-win all around,” added Maddox. “Not only did we see a lot of community support during the project with many local residents, including Mayor Butch Vaught, visiting the worksite, Local 92’s Training Coordinator Thomas Mathis said the skills the apprentices used on the project fell right in line with his scheduled training plan.”
Since the pavilion’s completion, local bass clubs have used it as a meeting place and many family and friend groups have used it while launching and loading boats at the park’s access ramp.
“We’re thankful the USA provides union members an opportunity to do something for the public,” said Maddox, “and to allow the community to see this side of union craftsmen. We’re average, everyday people who like to hunt, fish and recreate in the outdoors just like they do.”
“This project is exactly what the USA is all about,” added Cody Campbell, USA conservation coordinator. “It enhanced the public’s outdoor experience, allowed the USA to engage with our union members and provided an opportunity for union workers to interact with the community in a very positive way.”
