Thanks to the Alabama Power Foundation’s Gateway Program, the city of Atmore’s Houston Avery Park will soon have a new sign at the park entrance.

The foundation is providing $1,903 to replace the sign, which is 20 years old and in need of replacement. The new Houston Avery Park sign will have a similar design to the sign at Tom Byrne Park, which was replaced in 2012.

The city will pay any expenses that exceed the $1,903 grant.

“Alabama Power has been very generous to us,” said Atmore Mayor Jim Staff, who officially accepted the grant check Monday from Ricky Martin, manager of the Atmore branch of Alabama Power.

The Alabama Power Foundation has awarded more than $135 million to Alabama communities in grants and scholarships. This is the second grant that the city of Atmore has applied for, and received, from the foundation in the past year.

The earlier grant, which was funded through the foundation’s “Good Roots” program, was used to replace trees at the Boy Scout hut.

“The Alabama Power Foundation is excited about partnering with the city of Atmore to promote pride in our community, through enhancing and beautifying where we work and live,” Martin said.

In a press release announcing the grant, city officials said that efforts like the sign replacement help to improve the overall quality of life in the community, and help maintain a sense of community pride and ownership.

City officials also stated that improvements to neighborhood parks not only enhance the overall appearance, but also complete efforts to build a more productive community by providing a wholesome, safe and clean environment for recreational sports and other activities.