On March 23, 2021, the Charles C. Matthews Foundation presented the City of Carthage with a $215,000 check for the construction of the All-Abilities All-Ages Park. Stephen Williams, Carthage City Manager, expressed appreciation from the City and the Community for the generous donation of the Charles C. Matthews Foundation.

“We are grateful for the wonderful support from the Matthews Foundation,” said Williams. “We believe the park is going to be a wonderful asset to the community that will be here for generations. Building this park has been a dream for two years, and we are looking forward to seeing it become a reality later this summer.”

 The total cost of the three phases for the All-Abilities All-Ages Park is approximately $800,000. The first two phases include the playground equipment, pour-in-place surfacing, fitness trail, fitness equipment, benches, and a pavilion. The final phase will include a restroom, fencing, landscaping, and picnic tables. The City has secured funding for the first two phases of the project but is still seeking donors to help finish out the final phase.

Anyone interested in contributing to the park can contact Jessica Pace at jpace@panola.edu or Teresa Dennard at tdennard@carthagetexas.com. You may also call City Hall at 903.693.3868. Some naming opportunities remain for the pavilion and the equipment.