By Carol Wyatt
CHIPLEY – The sound of hammers, camaraderie, and community rang out from the courtyard at the Chipley Farmers Market and old train depot Saturday, July 10, as efforts began to replace the site’s long-deteriorating gazebo.
Spearheaded by Chipola Habitat for Humanity, the event was the first in a series of community workdays scheduled this summer, with volunteers from local churches, businesses, the City of Chipley, and the community working side by side to beautify the site.
The proposal was first made to members of Chipley City Council earlier this year by HabitatÂ’s Executive Director Carmen D. Smith.
“The gazebo is at the center of nearly every downtown event,” said Smith. “We wanted to give back to Chipley and work with its residents to bring new life to that site.”
Smith states the existing landscape will be salvaged as much as possible and be replanted, in addition to new landscaping, lighting, and electrical outlets. The plaque previously located inside the gazebo will be placed in a marker outside the gazebo once the project is complete.
This project comes at no cost to the City of Chipley or the taxpayers.
SaturdayÂ’s project entailed deconstruction of the old gazebo, as well as painting of the Farmers Market lighting fixtures.
Weather permitting, workdays will continue to take place from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday until the projectÂ’s completion, and everyone in the community is invited to take part. To volunteer, call 850-482-2187, ext. 100 or sign up online by clicking here. Volunteers may also sign up on site the day of the workday.
Staff Report 
Jim Saunders