LaGrange Living February 2020 | Page 38

also other people have access to the park, so we don’t we don’t allow exclusive use of it. We do encourage commu- nity groups to go out and use it, and usually if it’s a large group, people will give us a heads up. But again, this is public space.” Penn said last year major cleaning was completed on the tower. The bricks were sealed and pointed up to prevent water from seeping into the mortar and causing damage. There were also several areas that needed painting around the face of the clock, according to Christy Gresley of Hills and Dales Estate. “Overall, this was routine maintenance and upkeep to preserve the beauty of the monument as it is truly special to the community,” Gresley said. Every week landscaping is completed on the area to keep the park area looking nice. “We think it’s a beautiful, beautiful space, and we want it to be used by the community,” Penn said. Tracy Thompson is a local who runs her own photog- raphy company called Photography with TracyT and can be reached via that same name on her Facebook page. She said she loves to use the clock tower area for her photos, especially during the fall when the leaves turn yellow and provide a bright, beautiful backdrop. “I’m out there every October and November,” Thompson said. “I’m there like three or four times a week sometimes.” The photography aspect of the tower is one of the rea- sons it is widely listed as one of the must see areas in LaGrange via tourism pamphlets. Thompson said there’s usually at least one other group out there when she’s taking photos. “Sometimes people are out there walking dogs. There’s a lot of times teenagers and younger people out there play- ing ball on the front lawn,” she said. “And I’ve seen people out there having picnics. During October and November, I always see other photographers, so we have to like work around each other.” The tower is patterned after the Campanile of St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy. The Callaway Foundation asks the community enjoy the park but also does its part to preserve its beauty by keep- ing the area clean when visiting. Here’s where we come in. We believe getting the cash you need should be easy, convenient and worry- free. Here is where you’ll find a variety of credit card and lending 1 options tailored for what’s important to you. We’re here for you. 1-888-SYNOVUS | synovus.com 1 Credit cards and loans subject to credit approval. Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. 38 • LAGRANGE LIVING | FEB. 2020/MARCH 2020