Dream Park project needs volunteers, funds
Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 26, 2010
There still is a need for volunteers and funding to help make the upcoming Dream Park renovation project a success.
Andalusia Chamber Executive Vice President Ashley Eiland spoke at the Wednesday Lions Club meeting and described the city’s civic project for the Homecoming 2010 celebration.
Estimated at a cost of $100,000, plans are to include a 1,200 square-foot addition showcasing a handicapped-accessible swing that can hold up to four wheelchairs or eight able-bodied children. Plans also include the addition of 20 other “components” such as aground-level mirror maze and a rock wall. Local businesses and individuals have committed funds to purchase all but two of the components.
“So there are still opportunities to get on board, to get involved,” Eiland said.
Volunteers are also needed for the build, which is slated for Oct. 20-24.
“Right now, we only have about 30 percent of the volunteers we need signed up,” said Kristy White, volunteer coordinator for the project. “As many as 80 volunteers – 40 skilled and 40 unskilled – are needed each day. Skilled workers are defined as those comfortable using power saws. We need volunteers to do everything from helping with the build, childcare or food preparation.”
Shifts will run from 8-noon, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day.
Childcare will be provided for potty trained kids ages 2 and above, she said.
To raise money for this build, the committee is selling handprint tiles for $25 each and fence pickets for $50 each.
The deadline for handprints is Sept. 7, and once painted, the tiles will be glazed and permanently installed at the park.
Paint dates for both tiles and pickets are at the Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 10 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.; Sept. 20-24 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Oct. 8 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. and Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
To sign up as a volunteer, send an e-mail to dreamparkandalusia@gmail.com or on the website dreamparkandalusia.org.