The U.S. Jones Enhancement Project is a little over $4,000 away from their goal of installing security fencing around the playground area at the elementary campus, said Diane Brooker, a spokesperson for the group.

The project has collected approximately $15,850 and needs $20,000, she said.

Construction of the wrought iron fence and gates cannot commence until work on the geo-thermal air conditioner system is finished at the U.S. Jones campus, which Brooker said might not be completed until June.

The Alabama Power Service Organization will be holding a fish fry fundraiser for the fence in April at crew headquarters on Highway 43 South, Brooker said, but the date had not been decided.

Brooker also has begun a campaign of asking various industries and community organizations for contributions to the project. The Demopolis Kiwanis Club has already contributed $250, and she hopes for more support.

A plaque will be placed at the U.S. Jones campus. It will include the names of those who contributed to the fence campaign.

The Kiwanis Club also planned to give some of the proceeds from their recent pancake supper to the outdoor science lab that is also planned as part of the enhancement at U.S. Jones, Brooker said.

In addition, the new playground equipment has been ordered for the U.S. Jones playground and will be placed on the grounds during a proposed work day in the summer.

Commercial Bank of Demopolis is contributing the playground equipment, she said.

For more information about the U.S. Jones project, call Brooker at 289-6547.