Myrtle Beach and Family Kindgom improve city landmark

Recently, the city of Myrtle Beach, working with Family Kingdom Family Amusement Park, painted the ugly South Ocean Boulevard Withers Swash concrete bridge a beautiful “sea oats” sky blue.

The bridge was multi-colored gray, with scaling paint and mildew. It had not been painted since it was built in 2001.

Volunteers for this project were sought, and the painting crew from Family Kingdom graciously stepped forward to do the work. Preparation started with pressure washing on June 6 during Tropical Storm Colin. Unfortunately, Colin left a very wet bridge and painting, scheduled to begin the next day, was delayed.

Two professional and detailed-oriented painters, Robert Blair and John Barnak, lead by painting supervisor, Arthur Allen, started painting the morning of June 8 and completed the work in the hot summer sun. Two fresh paint coats were applied.

During the painting process, tourists and surrounding business owners commented on how fantastic the completed work appeared.

Thanks goes out to all who participated, including Margaret Ammons, owner of Sea Mist Resort and Family Kingdom; Lee Meese, general manager of the Sea Mist; Donnie Sipes, general manager of Family Kingdom; as well as the painting crew and supervisor.

The Myrtle Beach purchased paint and supplies. Thanks to all who contributed and labored on improving this Myrtle Beach landmark.

It is especially heartwarming knowing that Myrtle Beach families and business owners see, act, and complete special city projects in a timely manner. This painting work greatly enhances the city’s public image.

The painting crew’s efforts will be noticed, admired and last for years to come.

The old, drab, gray bridge is gone, with a new painted bridge in its place. The completed paint job certainly improves the streetscape appearance with an eye-popping, fresh look.

This effort certainly left a marked and noteworthy improvement to the Withers Swash and South Ocean Boulevard streetscape.

Hope all of you get to see the new bridge.

The writer lives in Myrtle Beach.

This story was originally published June 21, 2016 at 12:43 PM with the headline "Myrtle Beach and Family Kindgom improve city landmark."