SPRINGVILLE — “I am so proud to be mayor of Springville, Ala., on a day like today.”

Those words came from William Isley on Saturday, in a speech that preceded the awards ceremony at the first-ever Big Springs 5K, held to raise money for equipment for Big Springs Park.

The event attracted more than 330 runners, according to one of its organizers, Natalie Hinds.

“I was thrilled with the turnout,” Hinds said. “A lot of that was first-time 5K participants, which is exciting — you have a lot of new people being introduced to that form of entertainment. I think a lot of people really enjoyed themselves.”

While figures from the race have yet to be finalized, Isley estimated the city raised around $6,000 toward Phase II of the playground renovation, which will include equipment for middle-school-aged children.

“The park itself continues to have city workers provide some improvements,” Isley said. “It’s important to note that we’re working to improve the parking within the next 30 days.

“It was a fantastic day,” Isley said. “We had a lot of nice prizes. We enjoyed it — it was a wonderful event.”

Park renovations also got a boost from state Rep. Jim McClendon, who helped secure a $20,000 grant and was on hand to be part of the official ribbon cutting for the new equipment.

“This is the greatest day in Springville since, I guess, the Civil War,” McClendon said. “Springville is a great place to live, a great place to go to school, a great place to raise your family.

“We’re talking small-town perfection here, and it’s getting better all the time. We all love it here — this is really a lot of excitement.

“It’s been a good day today.”