The dream of a peaceful, hopeful, playful place is coming true

Construction has begun on Hope’s Park and Playground in the southwest corner of Faulkton. Ground has been leveled, sewer and water lines routed, and cement will be poured to house the bathroom facility within the next week. The goal is to complete the bathroom this fall so that additional infrastructure can begin early next spring of 2018.

A computer aided drawing (CAD) is included in this week’s paper (see page 2) showing the set-up of the park and playground in the 100 ft. by 140 ft. area. Although it is small, it will accommodate small family, employee, or resident outings under the shaded picnic area and young children in the playground area. The playground equipment will be geared more toward the 2 - 5 year old age group with one small area for 9 to 23 month toddlers. There is a small area for 5 - 12 year old age play equipment in the plan, but the success of the fundraising will determine if that can be accomplished right away. However, the outdoor musical instruments are conducive to all age groups.

“If the development was just a park or just a playground, funding would be quite manageable as over $30,000 is already in place,” stated committee member, Beth Deiter. “However, we have set a lofty goal to accomplish both facilities at once.” The fact that it will be a handicap friendly environment, include a bathroom facility, and be fenced to accommodate the adjoining residences all factor in the cost of the park and playground.

A goal of $85,000 is being set by the committee. If we add the 5 - 12 year old age structure at this time the goal would be approximately $100,000. As was stated, over $30,000 has already been donated and the committee is awaiting news on the securing of a $15,000 grant for playground equipment. “We have made it through the first two levels of grant paperwork and are waiting for the decision on the third level we have submitted,” stated Trevor Cramer, Faulkton Economic Development director. Other funding options are also being studied to see if the park and playground can qualify.

An insert in this week’s Faulk County Record (see the neon green sheet) explains the various fund-raising opportunities available to the community. If you have any questions about the project, please contact Beth Deiter or Trevor Cramer. Area businesses will also be contacted this month similar to the manner in which they gave to the American Cancer Society Walk/Run fundraisers in the past. (At this time, there are no plans for future Walk/Run events. The co-chairs have stepped down after six successful events and there are no plans to continue at this time. The ACS will, however, continue to hold the Love Lights a Tree project at Christmas beginning again in November of 2019.) Donation cards will also be available at several area businesses. A Facebook page is also in the process of being set up.

Engraved bricks and levels of support will be permanently displayed at the park and playground. The bricks may be purchased by anyone wanting to donate $100 or more and/or to honor or memorialize loved ones regardless of the circumstances; it doesn’t have to be only those who have dealt with cancer. If an individual or business would like to donate a specific item that is more than $100, the items are listed on the donation insert in this paper and you need to contact Beth Deiter directly.

The Hope’s Park and Playground committee would like to thank all those who have generously donated so far to get this project off the ground. Please keep the green insert for your reference or contact Beth Deiter, 605-380-8568 or Trevor Cramer, 605-949-9507. Don’t forget about the fundraiser Friday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Faulkton City Park hosted by Alex Sorensen and Hunter Niederbaumer as part of their FCCLA project. Their support is greatly appreciated and welcomed.

Article courtesy of the Faulk County Record.