I recently read an article in The Tribune from an individual who came from Wheelersburg to visit our Splashpark with her grandchildren.

In this article she mentioned how clean and attractive the Splashpark was and how much fun they had while spending the day in Ironton.

She also mentioned the flowers in town and how well kept the homes and businesses were maintained.

At the end of the article she gave praise to all those who made this possible and how visitors notice the positive attitude of our community.

After reading the article, I wanted to contact her and tell her just how much thought, time and effort this takes to putting our best face forward for visitors and residents alike.

Hopefully, she will read this article and have a more in-depth understanding of what it does take to make a community like Ironton shine and be an example to other communities and attract even more visitors.

Over the past few months, I have received numerous calls that stretch from Milton, W.Va. to Vanceburg, Ky., asking about our Splashpark. This is a perfect opportunity to share with them what Ironton has to offer.

This spans from places to eat, shop, recreational activities and more, and I do take this opportunity to share with them all of the activities going on and what we have to offer.

I am hesitant to start listing all of the volunteer organizations that help make this possible and give their time and monetary donations to make Ironton a better place.

We are fortunate to have so many who help and I do not want to leave anyone out.

But I am not hesitant to say thank you to every organization, group, volunteers businesses and homeowners who contribute in a positive manner in efforts that Ironton will continue to move forward.

Your involvement is greatly appreciated.

I encourage and challenge our residents to volunteer, contribute or whatever you can do to help make Ironton shine. If you have questions or want to get involved, please call us at 532-3833, and we will give you more information on how you can become involved.

Building a greater community cannot be done alone or overnight, but with positive attitudes and a little help, Ironton will become a vacation destination community as well as attract new residents and businesses.

I feel as though we are moving in the right direction, and this could not happen without the help of our local organizations, volunteers, businesses and homeowners along with a positive attitude.

Again, I thank everyone involved for making Ironton a better place.

Rich Blankenship is the mayor of Ironton.