News : Garrison organization raising funds for new playground at city park

A recent grant from the Benton County Community Foundation to the Garrison Park Renovation Project increase the total amount raised for a new playground in Garrison $12,301.

Mandy Fisher, one of the leaders of the Garrison Park Fund Committee, says the group was formed when a few concerned citizens decided to take on the project of raising funds & volunteering for the renovation of the city park.

"At this time the park equipment is over 30 years old and unsafe," said Fisher. "Park equipment far exceeds the city's budget so fundraising began in April 2010."

Fundraisers, pop can donations, and donations from residents and local businesses (including the Hitchin Post, Wilson Hite Insurance, VGH & Coots Materials, and grants from Thiesen's, Alliant Energy, and Cargill).

The committee will also conduct fund-raising during the Garrison Fun Day on July 9. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, the committee will host a Kids Zone & Craft/Vendor Fair at the park in conjunction with the Garrison Emergency Services Foundation Annual Car Cruise/BBQ & Dance.

This event will feature many kids activities, games & competitions, face painting, an inflatable jump house as well as Hillbilly Bob will be here to entertain and make balloon animals for the kids. There is still some booth space for anyone interested in the craft/vendor show. All proceeds from this event will benefit the park fund. Fisher said the committee has learned that Millie Kalish (Former Garrison Resident and author of "Little Heathens") has offered to match up to $1,000.00 to the proceeds raised this day.

The project "We have been in contact with a few different park consulting groups," said Fisher. "In anticipation that we have $20,000 or more raised by this fall through continued donations and grant opportunities we plan to take advantage of some fall sales and discount opportunities to purchase a new playground structure. Work is beginning on the updating of other park structures such as the existing shelter house and restrooms as well as the renovation of the old concession stand building into an open shelter house. Along with these smaller projects our goal is to raise enough funds for the purchase of a new playground structure, swings and safety surfacing as well as resurface the existing basketball court and hoops." The completion of this project will provide the children of Garrison with a safe place to play,said Fisher. "But more importantly, what we've seen through fundraising efforts such as the Halloween Party at the Park and Easter Egg Hunt is that the park area will be the gateway to revitalizing community events in Garrison," she said. The Garrison Betterment Committe Web site and Facebook group are updated regularly and residents can now donate online at the website. "We would like to thank all the supporters whether your donation has been monetary, goods, services or your time. Without community support and donations this project would not be possible," said Fisher.