Caring for horses can be fun and rewarding, but you do need to make sure that you can provide for all their needs well before you bring them home. For some, this may require searching out a wholly new plot of land. Discover how to choose the right property for horses by following the following pointers.
Think About Locational Convenience
Like any property, you should take location into consideration when looking at potential options. Preferably, you would want land that is relatively close to towns to make activities like shopping for supplies easy. An area that has an established structure that supports horses is also advantageous. This can make it simple to connect with people who are experienced at raising horses. You may also be able to ride your horses around more freely if there are pathways made for them near your property.
Consider the Acreage
Having a large acreage on your property is also important when you plan to have horses there. This is because they’ll need plenty of space to roam and graze. A rule of thumb that you can use in determining how much land to look for is to multiply the number of horses you want to have by two. Then, add some extra acreage to that number to account for structures and parts of properties where horses won’t be able to pasture due to the terrain.
Reflect on Structural Needs
Depending on the property, there may or may not be existing structures already standing that you can make use of. Besides a house, you want to ensure that everything is in good condition so that you can make use of it. Think about the water systems on the property, the age of barns, and the state of the fencing. When the structures are dilapidated, you’ll probably need to make extensive repairs, which can become costly. Some properties may have ideal land but may lack structures. For these, you would need to construct a house and build a horse barn from scratch. Others may have nice homes, but may be lacking with other structures. You need to weigh what matters to you most as you try to choose the right property for horses.
On Monday, April 12, the Waldron Diamond Dogs not only took on the Mt. Ida Lions, but they honored eight seniors for Seniors Night as well. Jaden Hutchens, Bryson Bailey, Drake Carnley, Caden Fuller, Braden Williams, Bladyn Mays, Samuel Slater, and Jesse Dees all relished in the baseball spotlight Monday night. “We got off to a good start again scoring in the first inning off a Braden Williams two RBI single to right center gap,” stated Coach Mark Brigance. Drake Carnley and Matthew Brigance also brought the action home. “We scored again in the 3rd off Caden Fullers leadoff single, a stolen base, Williams’ sac fly to right field, and Blake Owens’ ground ball to the infield.” Both teams went on to score two more runs each in the fourth inning and the game remained tied into the seventh. Mt. Ida was then able to score off a one out single, stolen base, and a double into left ending the game with a final score of 6-5 Lions. “We failed to score in the bottom half after Williams lead off with a single but we pitched five guys to get them ready for the week.”
The next night on Tuesday, the Diamond Dogs traveled to Booneville to try their hand for a second time against the Bearcats. In the teams’ first showing against each other, the Bearcats won 15-9. Although Waldron was met with the same fate again this time around, they were able to hold Booneville to a 12-9 score. “We played a good ball game again on defense. We struggled on the mound and allowed too many free bases. The offense really hit the ball well.” Ending the night was Carnley with one single, a stolen base, and a score. Brigance went 4 for 4, had three stolen bases, and scored three times. Fuller scored a double, two singles, and two runs. Williams hit the ball hard four times, ROE, had an RBI ground out, and a sac fly. Hutchens made two singles and a score. And Noah Patrick and Kaden Rogers made one single and score each. “We are still working on putting all the pieces together to win a game,” concluded Coach Brigance. The Bulldogs will conclude their week when they next take on Danville away on Friday, April 16.
On Thursday, April 15, Mansfield’s ladies in red, Makayla Strutton and Danielle Lillie, signed their letter of intent to play basketball at Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, Illinois. The Lady Tigers will be trading in their current jerseys for those of the Lady Cavaliers and will be playing under former KCC athlete, Coach Casey Meister. “I am very excited to sign the Strutton/Lillie combo guards and had the pleasure of seeing them play in person with my current team,” expressed Coach Meister. “The two guards will bring intensity, competitiveness and push the program to play harder and faster. I want everyone on the team to be at their speed. The guards have a range of talents and will have the ability to play multiple positions making it difficult for our opponents to defend. After speaking with Coach Bryan, I instantly knew they would be a great fit by how they are coached and their mentality. The Kankakee Community College family welcomes the two guards and are looking forward to seeing them grow for the next two years!”
Makayla Strutton, Coach Josh Bryan, and Danielle Lillie
Strutton and Lillie couldn’t have asked for a better way to end their high school basketball careers. The Lady Tigers finished their season with a 22-7 overall record and found their way to the Elite 8 in the State Tournament. For the 2020-2021 season, Danielle netted a total of 248 points, 79 rebounds, 58 assists, 56 deflections, 81 steals, and 3 blocks, and also earned All-District, All-Region, and a spot on the All-State Tournament Team. “The most exciting thing about this next step is that I’m ready to play at the next level,” explained Lillie. “I always knew I could do this and experiencing it now is a blessing too. What I hope to achieve from this experience is to enhance my basketball career and to play at that level. I’m wanting to excel in my academics as well. Overall, I’m ready! This is going to be a great experience for me and Makayla!” Lady Tigers head basketball coach, Joshua Bryan went on to say, “Danielle gave me my first memorable moment as a Head Coach back in her freshman year. Down one to Magazine with 9 seconds on the clock, Danielle steals the ball and runs the length of the floor with two Lady Rattlers bumping her all the way down and makes the game-winning shot with no time left on the clock. Later that season, Danielle moved up to the senior high team and helps lead the Lady Tigers to their first and only win of the season against the Lady Pirates at Cedarville.”
The 2020-2021 Mansfield Sr Lady Tigers
Strutton ended her season with the Lady Tigers as All-District, All-State, and a 2A-4 All-Star nomination. She totaled 416 points, 130 rebounds, 93 assists, 102 deflections, 124 steals, and 3 charges. “I’m most excited about the new change Kankakee has to offer,” concluded Makayla. “It will be a big life change and a fun experience and I can’t wait for that. I’m hoping to achieve playing the most that I can while I’m there and possibly going to a bigger college afterward. I think moving somewhere bigger with a lot of different people will make me grow more as a person and I can’t wait for what life will be like in Illinois!” Coach Bryan, added, “This season, Makayla gave up a game to remember and a career first for me. She put together a triple-double performance in our win over rival Hackett with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals. To top that off, she also scored 10 deflections.”
Danielle and Makayla showing off their Cavaliers cookie cake
Makayla and Danielle, your community couldn’t be more proud of this success and we are looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful opportunities this journey will lead you to!
Leonard “Lenny” Earl Williamson Jr. passed away March 17th, 2021. Lenny was born on November 13, 1977 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Leonard “Len” Williamson and Jerri Williamson-McDonald. Lenny graduated from Glenpool High School in 1996. He attended Oklahoma State University and University of Arkansas-Ft.Smith where he received his bachelor’s degree in science – geographic information systems (GIS).
He is proceeded in death by his father, Len Williamson, grandparents; Shirley and Everett Frazee, as well as grandparents; Bob and Mary Williamson.
He is survived by his mother Jerri McDonald and stepdad Mike McDonald, his sister Leslie Hillsberry and her spouse Daniel Hillsberry, niece Camryn Hillsberry, stepsisters; Danielle Cupps, Autumn Carter and her spouse Jason Carter, stepbrother; Ryan McDonald, nephews; Ian and Maddox, niece; Eliza, as well as other family and very special friends.
Lenny had a passion for classic cars, art, music, wood working and other projects. Those who had the pleasure to meet Lenny would describe him as one of the smartest and kindest people they have met.
A memorial ceremony will be held on April 2nd, 2021 at Glenpool’s Black Gold Park Center at 3 p.m..
Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leonard Earl Williamson Jr., please visit our floral store.
In the championship tradition of Charleston sports and programs, you can now add a state championship archery team for Charleston Middle School and a state champion runner-up team for Charleston Elementary School. Both teams will compete in Nationals in May. The middle school state champion team has been invited to compete in “The Championship” competition that will held at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in June. The Charleston archery program is raising funds now to send the team to Myrtle Beach.
Photo Special to Resident Press by Ashley Couthren
Recently, Resident Press had the opportunity to visit with the teams’ coach, Stacy Mitchum. Mitchum is a third grade teacher at Charleston Elementary School, and shares her passion for the sport with students in the elementary, middle, and high school. In our conversation, Mitchum said, “This is our sixth year. We started with a high school team and then we added each year (middle and elementary teams). Kids can start shooting in fourth grade. So this group that I have right now in the seventh grade is the first group that started with me in the fourth grade. That is why they are having success is because they have been with the program longer.” Mitchum herself is an archer, having competed in 3D archery. “3D is where you have shooting on a range in a wooded area and you shoot a life-sized, foam animals. It’s more like hunting with a bow.”
Mitchum started the team six years ago. “I loved 3D archery so much that I wanted to teach the kids to shoot. The National Archery in Schools program is like a springboard to get kids shooting and to like the sport. Then, they can get into compound bows and more competition.” There are several skills around the state that participate in the sport of archery. “The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is over the Arkansas National Archery in the Schools program. And that is how schools get started in the sport. They (Game and Fish Commission) give classes for instructors and provide grants to apply for equipment so you can start your program. And that is how we did it. We got a grant and the school matched it, so I was able to buy a starter set of bows, arrows, and targets and get it started. And we have just built on it every year.”
Photo Credit: Facebook / Charleston Archery in the Schools
The Game and Fish Commission sanctions the state championships for archery. “We are not affiliated with the Arkansas Activities Association in any way. It is Game and Fish, and they fall under the national program, which was founded in Kentucky.”
Charleston now has an archery team at each campus in its district, and the elementary and middle school teams have finished as either runner-ups or state champions. This all means that the Tigers archers will be strong competitors for multiple state titles in the sport for the next four to five years. “I am hoping for the next several years (being highly competitive at the state level) because our fourth graders…I’ll have eight more years with them. I’m hoping that we will continue to build. We have 20 members on the elementary team, 24 members on the middle school team, and 17 members on the high school team. That is after several weeks of practice and try outs. At try outs, we had around 150 kids each year that tried out for the program. We have to narrow that number down to pick our competition teams. It (the participation numbers) has surprised me. In the beginning I was thinking that maybe we would get 20 kids that wanted to shoot, and I never dreamed I would have three teams that were winning state titles and would go on to the national championships.”
Photo Credit: Facebook / Charleston Archery in the Schools
Mitchum’s husband, Donnie, is the assistant coach for the program, and the two are assisted by a parent volunteer, Jordan Johnson. “They have been through the instructor courses and they are certified instructors. So, it’s the three of us along with some really great parents that are willing to do whatever we need; fund raise, provide snacks, transportation…any thing we need.”
The Charleston school district provides a stipend for Mitchum to head the program. “The school district is very, very supportive of the program, and they are helping us with our fundraising and pay our entry fees for the championship tournaments at Myrtle Beach. They (the school district) help a lot and are very supportive.”
Special to Resident Press by Ashley Couthren
Due to COVID reasons, regional, state, and national competitions are virtual this year. “Usually, we place in the top two at district, and then we are invited to the state tournament. Then, the state tournament finish would determine if you move on to nationals. And then, after the national tournament, there is the world championships. Since nationals is virtual this year, we are moving on to the world championships. So, it is going to be a live event in Myrtle Beach.”
Photo Special to Resident Press by Ashley Couthren
The program is actively fundraising to send the members of the team and their coaches to the competition in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The money that is being raised is earmarked for transportation, meals and lodging for the team. This Saturday, April 17, the program will sponsor a softball contest to raise funds for the trip. Readers and interested patrons can see a copy of the event’s promotional flyer above in this article.
On the following Saturday, April 24, a cornhole tournament will be held to also raise funds for the young archers’ trip to Myrtle Beach. A copy of that event’s promotional flyer is included below.
Special to Resident Press by Ashley Couthren
Patrons who cannot attend either fundraising event, but would like to donate money to the kids’ trip to South Carolina, can make-out their checks to the Charleston Public Schools and mark “archery donation” in the memo portion of their checks. Checks should be given to the Charleston Elementary School Office.
The Charleston archery program is targeting the amount of $25,000 for the trip to Myrtle Beach. It is difficult to estimate how much money remains to be raised due to several events currently in progress to raise funds.
Charleston has a championship pedigree within its sports and academic programs, and I have written extensively on them over the past few years. Now, add to that list the Charleston Archery in the Schools (CATS) program. In just their sixth year, coach Stacy Mitchum is building a program of not only state champions, but possibly national-award winning archery teams for the community of Charleston. Archery is a program that all kids, regardless of size, athletic ability, or economic circumstances, can compete on a level playing field with all other competitors across the state and nation. The program has a Facebook page that contains information regarding the program and its events. Readers can go to https://www.facebook.com/charlestonarcheryclub for more information.
I hope you will consider participating in the CATS’s many fund raisers, or consider donating to this great cause to provide a lifetime memory for the kids who participate in this program. Resident Press wishes the Charleston archery teams the best of luck in their fundraising and in their future championship competitions for this great program!
Donald Eugene Williams of Waldron, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday April 12, 2021 with his loving family by his side. Donald was born on August 3, 1933 in Cromwell, Oklahoma. He was 87 years old.
Donald is survived by his wife Shirley Williams of the home, son Ron and wife Tammy Williams of Waldron, Arkansas daughter Becky and husband David McAlester of Leflore, Oklahoma, and daughter Lisa and husband James Nelson of Waldron, Arkansas. Donald also leaves behind numerous grandchildren; Shawna Lamb (Kyel), Taylor Spears (Lucas), Micah Doeden, Rylan Williams (Melissa Brown), Bailey Nelson, Kallee Brewer (Tyler), as well as numerous great-grandchildren: Dylan, Kolton, Tripp, Delilah, and Emerlyn. Donald will be truly missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and scores of friends.
Don’s graveside celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the Center Point Cemetery.
Don’s pallbearers will be Ron Williams, David McAlester, James Nelson, Rylan Williams, Lucas Spear and Tyler Brewer. Honorary pallbearers will be Kyel Lamb, Dylan Lamb, Kolton Lamb and Tripp Williams.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lower Center Point Cemetery Fund, PO Box 838, Waldron, AR 72958.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Eugene Williams, please visit our floral store.
The warmer weather is returning and with it, lots of great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. In fact, there’s a lot of fun to be had right outside your house to bring your family together and connect with friends. We offer a few examples of different activities to do in your backyard to help you make the most of nice days.
Start a Garden
A small garden in your backyard can become a great place to occupy free moments. You can plant flowers and other decorative species to beautify your outdoor space. Rather than getting fully-grown plants, raising new ones from seeds can be a uniquely satisfying experience that you can do with your kids. Besides gardening to improve the look of your home, you can also grow vegetables and herbs in your garden that will become sources of fresh food for you later on.
Set up a Camp
You don’t need to restrict camping to the wilderness; you can create a campsite in your backyard. With a tent, some blankets, and a few supplies, you can bring the magic of spending a night under the stars right to your home. If you have a firepit on the patio, you can roast some marshmallows and make smores with the kids. Even if you don’t have one, bringing snacks and some delicious grilled dishes can create the right outdoorsy feeling as well.
Host a Small Party
COVID-19 means that gatherings are more restricted than normal, but you can still host a small party as long as you follow the necessary safety measures. Having a party is a nice activity to do in your backyard because everyone will appreciate the warm, open atmosphere. Inviting some family members and friends over for a get-together will give you the chance to take a much-needed break from daily routines. Remember that you should serve food and drinks individually, rather than buffet-style, to keep things separated and sanitary. Make considerations for properly spacing out tables and offering hand sanitizer as well. To provide shade from the sun and protection against possible showers, you can use a tent for your small event. You can either purchase a tent or rent one depending on how much use you expect to get out of it.
The Greenwood School District has announced administration positions for the 2021-2022 school year.
Kevin Hesslen named Deputy Superintendent effective July 1, 2021Mr. Kevin Hesslen will begin his new role as Deputy Superintendent on July 1, 2021.Mr. Hesslen has been employed as an educator for 31 years, and 27 of those years have been in Greenwood Schools. Mr. Hesslen began his career as a basketball coach and science teacher. He later became an Assistant Principal and Principal for Greenwood Jr. High and is most recently employed as Assistant Superintendent. Mr. Hesslen’s key responsibilities include director over 7-12 education, supervising facilities, transportation, and food service operations.Mr. Hesslen was a 1984 graduate of Greenwood High School. He attended Westark College where he played basketball, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas.Kevin and his wife Christy have three children. Hope and Hannah graduated from Greenwood and received Bachelor’s degrees from Pepperdine University. Their son Hunter graduated in 2020 from Greenwood and is currently attending Pepperdine University.
Dr. Cody Chatman promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education: Dr. Chatman currently serves as Principal of Greenwood High School. He is a graduate of Alma High School and earned his Bachelor of Arts, Masters, Specialists, and Doctoral Degrees in Education from Arkansas Tech University. His career as an educator began at Dardanelle Middle School, where he taught 7th-grade social studies. Dr. Chatman then served as Assistant Principal at Russellville Middle School before moving to Greenwood. At Greenwood, Dr. Chatman served as Assistant Principal and Principal of Greenwood Junior High and Principal of the Greenwood Freshman Center prior to becoming High School Principal. He is married to Becky Chatman, a Counselor at East Pointe Elementary School. They have a son, Holden, and are expecting a baby boy this fall.Dr. Chatman will serve grades 7-12 in curriculum, personnel, and daily operations. He will also work with student enrollment, district assessments, and compliance.
Aaron Gamble named Greenwood High School Principal for2021-22: Mr. Aaron Gamble was promoted to Principal of Greenwood High School for the 2021-22 school year. Mr. Gamble currently serves as Assistant Principal at GHS. After graduating from Greenwood High School in 1996, Mr. Gamble earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education in 2000 and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in 2006, both from Arkansas Tech University. His entire educational career has been in Greenwood Schools. During that time, he has taught Algebra I, AP Calculus, and PreCalculus. His other roles include football coach, bus driver, and administrator. During his time as an administrator, Mr. Gamble has served as Assistant Principal of Greenwood Junior High for a total of seven years and Principal of Greenwood Junior High for four years. He is married to Tara Williams Gamble, Greenwood Class of 1998. The couple have two children, daughter Dacie (GHS Class of 2020) and son Landry.
Amanda Maxwell promoted to Freshman Center Principal: Mrs. Amanda Maxwell will leave her role as Assistant Principal at Greenwood Jr High School to lead the Freshman Center at GHS for the 2021-22 school year. Mrs. Maxwell has a Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education: Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Science from UAFS, as well as a MSE in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. She was raised in Van Buren, Arkansas, and started her teaching career there as well. After coming to Greenwood, Mrs. Maxwell taught 7th and 8th grade English. Mrs. Maxwell and her husband, Andrew, a math teacher at GJHS, have one son, Easton.
Chase Myers promoted to Assistant Principal at GHS: Mr. Chase Myers will assume the role of Assistant Principal at Greenwood High School for the 2021-22 school year. Mr. Myers has been known most recently as “Coach Myers” for the Greenwood Bulldog football team. He is from West Memphis and graduated as the class Valedictorian from Bismarck High School in 2001. Mr. Myers obtained a B.S. in Education from Henderson State University, and a M.S.E in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. He has been teaching and coaching for 15 years in Arkansas and Texas.Mr. Myers and his wife Shawna have been married for 14 years and have 4 children, Bella, who attends East Hills Middle School, Christian, Carter, and Jax who attend East Pointe Elementary School.
Brooke West hired as GJHS Assistant Principal: Brooke West has been hired as the Assistant Principal at Greenwood Junior High School effective July 1, 2021. Mrs. West is currently employed by Fort Smith Public Schools as Assistant Principal at Pike Elementary. She has also served as an Instructional Facilitator for 3 years and has classroom experience at Paris Elementary in Paris, AR.Mrs. West obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Henderson State University, as well as a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has an Ed.S degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Brooke is married to Brad West and they have a daughter Blayne in 5th grade and a son Baron in 2nd grade.
The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, April 12, 2021,at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Tammye Sherrill, Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Christi Johnston and Mac Davis. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Lisa Allen, Kim Solomon, Kristi Sigman, Michael Galinato, Josh Atchley, Zack Taylor, Darla Jeffery, Ryan Walker, Chris Lipham, Tucker Brown, Josh Brown, Toni Dozier, Cody Parks and Keith Brigance.
President Tammye Sherrill called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Davis began the meeting with a word of prayer. Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Johnston to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the March 8th and March 15th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Jana Pschier, SLP Contract for 2021-22 SY; D) Approve Tiffany A. Boster-Poor, MED., CCC-SLP, LLC Contract for 2021-22- SY; E) Approve Building Blocks Pediatric Therapy, PA Contract for 2021-22- SY; F) Approve ADE Special Education Local School District Application for Part B Funds, Statement of Intent; G) Approve Purchase Orders for ITSAVVY; H) Approve Purchase Orders for White River Services; I) Review and Approve Implementation of School Level Improvement Plans. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Davis to approve the two new bus lease agreements. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Johnston and seconded by Woodall to approve the audit report. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Davis and seconded by Hunsucker to eliminate the policy for masks effective immediately. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Johnston and seconded by Davis to approve the presented salary schedules. Motion carried 5-0.
The principals reported on what has been happening on their campuses. They each informed the board about testing that has been underway at each building and their efforts to make sure every student was present. Walker also informed the board that Kindergarten registration and parent involvement will be back to normal this year and the date will be posted on social media soon. There will also be an ABC Graduation and Parent Involvement coming soon as well. Lipham stated that Middle School will be having Donuts for Grownups again this year. Middle School faculty have also worked extremely hard to decrease the percentage of failing remote students from 62% to 19%. Lastly, at the Middle School, 104 students have written poems that will be published in a book that each student will receive. Solomon informed the board members that the seniors will be doing the senior sidewalk this year along with last year’s seniors, the date is to be determined. Jr. High and Sr. High Archery teams will be competing at Nationals. Prom will be May 1st on Main Street again this year. Congratulations to Jesse Dees who was granted a $1500.00 scholarship to Arkansas Elite Welding Academy.
Superintendent Fielding recognized the administrators for their efforts in getting all the students to school for testing last week and this week. Fielding also congratulated Principals Walker and Lipham on graduating from Phase 3 Master Principal.
A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Woodall to accept the resignations of Alice Joy Carmean as Elementary School Counselor, Teresa Holleman as Elementary School GT Teacher/Coordinator, Aileen Sirkis as Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher, Beverly Birkhead as Middle School Secretary, Gwenda Self as Middle School Math Teacher and Josh Brown, HS as Basketball Coach at Waldron High School (still will be Assistant High School Principal) as of the end of the 2020/21 school year. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Johnston to hire Natalie Cadena as Director of Special Education for the 2021-22 SY with a 221-day contract following the Coop Consortium Special Education Salary Schedule. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Woodall and seconded by Davis to re-hire the Licensed Staff (lists provided by the principles). Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Hunsucker and seconded by Woodall to adjourn. Motion carried 5-0.
Private workshops are one of the best places to chip away at some of our favorite projects. Not only do they provide us with a setting where we can focus on the task at hand, but they also have enough space to accommodate various types of work. But there’s more that goes into creating a workshop than many tend to think. If you’re interested in building one of these areas for yourself, these tips to turn your garage into a workshop will give you a head start on the process.
Declutter the Space
First and foremost, make sure you remove all clutter from the garage before starting the transformation. If you’re using this area to work on projects, you will need as much space as you can get. As such, the boxes sitting in the corner or the power tools scattered about simply won’t do you any good. One effective method is to organize these items and move unnecessary tools into your attic so that they’re out of the way. Just be sure to check if your attic is suitable for storage purposes.
Create a Floorplan
Setting aside some time to draw out a floor plan is also a worthwhile tip to turn your garage into a workshop. It ensures that you can fit everything you need within the space. While this blueprint doesn’t need an abundance of detail, it should include all the major components, such as the work desk and tool cabinets. You may even want to include measurements to protect yourself from buying tools or furniture that isn’t compatible with the rest of the layout.
Install Additional Lighting
Once your project is in full swing, it can be easy to forget some of the most important features of a workshop—such as lighting. Overhead lighting provides you with visibility in your potentially dark garage. It’ll prevent you from injuring yourself with your tools and even increase the quality of your finished product. Therefore, even if you think you have enough lighting, don’t be afraid to add more above your workstation.
Include Proper Ventilation
Remember to build ventilation into your garage as well. This will keep air constantly circulating through the space and prevent any fumes or dust particles from lingering in the air. Depending on what materials you’re using, these substances can make you sick after long exposure. For this reason, additional air intakes—aside from your garage’s main door—are always beneficial.
