Project underway to replace older playground equipment at City Park

The Veterans Memorial Hospital Nursing Council and the Healing Hearts Infant Loss Support Group are currently raising funds to replace playground equipment near the Thompson Shelter, which is located in the middle section of Waukon City Park. The equipment near this shelter is 40-plus years old in some cases and throughout those years these pieces have come to be worn by both weather and usage.
With the idea in mind that everyone loves to have variety in safe, fun playground equipment for children to enjoy when visiting the park, the two groups spearheading the project have set a goal to replace the current equipment with a playground structure for children ages two to 12 years old. The new equipment will have a number of different activities that will benefit children and families, whether they are residents of Waukon or visitors to the park and community.
Project organizers feel that the addition of a playground area for smaller children to play at would be a nice complement to the park's other unique features that seem to be more geared toward older children through adults. Community members or those visiting the park, campground or family aquatic center would have a newer, safer and more modern playground area for younger children to play at in addition to enjoying the new walking trails, the disc golf course, or many other amenities the park has to offer, making for a more complete experience for families to enjoy.

DONORS TO BE HONORED
As part of the fundraising process for the project, donor recognition featuring names and/or messages on engraved blocks will be placed near the playground site. The contribution recognition form accompanying this article allows interested donors to fill out their block listing per their contribution amount, if desired. An example of the form can be seen in this week's print edition of The Standard.
The text in the recognition blocks will be printed in all capital letters in standard print centered on the surface. Donors are asked to print clearly, with one letter per square on the form. Punctuation marks and blank spaces between names/words count as one square each.
The groups organizing the project are also developing a special way in which donors can have their angel babies memorialized through the project. A variety of other fundraisers are also being planned later this spring, including a food stand in the WW Homestead Dairy parking lot prior to the March 18 St. Patrick's Day parade in Waukon.
The Waukon Park & Recreation Board has agreed to match contributions up to a certain point to help the project gain momentum. All contributions are tax deductible. Contributions of $100 and over will receive a receipt letter for tax purposes, otherwise those receipts will be issued by request only. Checks should be made payable to Nursing Council and returned with the completed contribution recognition form to:
Jayne McCormick
308 First Avenue NW
Waukon, IA 52172.
Those who may have further questions or concerns regarding this project are asked to contact Jayne McCormick at 1-319-361-3140 or Cheryl Livingston at 1-515-681-5160.