In 2019, Friends of Williamston Parks’ efforts primarily focused on the new playground at Volunteers Community Park in Williamston. In the first quarter of the year, the final $30,000 needed was raised from grants and private donations.
The organization achieved its goal of installing a new playground on July 25, 2019, following a three-day Community Build. Under the direction of a playground installation supervisor from Miracle Midwest, 20 volunteers worked each day to install the playground equipment. It features four different elements: a play structure, four swings, a Ten Spin, and a Tri Totter. Designed for ages 2 to 12, the equipment offers a wide variety of play and movement experiences—to swing, bounce, slide, climb, jump and spin. In addition, two trees, two benches and two trash cans where added to the play area.
Many contractors donated services to make the installation possible, and several local restaurants donated food for the volunteers during the Community Build. Funds for the playground project were provided by Williamston Kiwanis, Capital Region Community Foundation, Williamston Sunrise Rotary, Red Oak Foundation, Old Nation/FeelGood Tap, Dart Foundation and many private donors.
In addition to the positive community feeling created by the successful volunteer build effort, families, caregivers and daycare providers benefit daily from this new playground. People are using the park and enjoying the equipment, which has a lifespan of 30 years. As the park is free and open from dawn until dusk, an exact number of users is difficult to determine.
The City of Williamston embraced the project and invested in professional park planning services to develop a master plan for Volunteers Community Park. They completed the excavation for the project and contributed to the overall appeal of the park by putting in a concrete walkway border and additional landscaping. In response to citizen requests, a portable restroom is available spring through fall.
In other activities, FOWP continued to assist with McCormick Park upkeep and manages a new Little Free Library near the Tot Lot.
Next year’s focus areas will be Phase 2 of the Volunteers Community Park Master Plan, which includes a picnic shelter and additional walkways; exploring options for a skate park; and increased communication with surrounding communities. FOWP also will continue to work toward becoming an independent nonprofit.