FOR MORE than three years, the community has heard about the Peter Pan Playground project. However, with a steep price tag and a slow start many may have had doubts about the project.
But last week, the group reported it only had $5,000 left to raise to complete the first phase of fund raising. The members say they hope that if they can raise that amount they will receive two other grants that would complete the project.
This is great news for the playground project and puts completion of the project well within reach. The project has really moved ahead this year because of sizeable donations from groups such as the St. Pat’s Day Committee, the Hopkins Foundation, Rotary, Kiwanis and Norfolk Iron & Metal.
Peter Pan Park is a wonderful park with lots of history, and a new playground would be a nice addition to the park.
We hope the community will help raise the remaining money. A great way to donate is by purchasing a picket for the surrounding fence for just $25. The picket can have a loved one’s name inscribed on it. The group needs to sell 900 pickets.
William Allen White gave Peter Pan Park to the children of Emporia in memory of his 16-year-old daughter, Mary White, who was killed in a horse riding accident (To read a story on Mary White, see column to the right). Since the park’s founding, generations of children have enjoyed it.
We hope you will consider a donation to this project. Whether you want to make a donation in someone’s memory or just want to help the youth — a donation to the Peter Pan Playground project will make a meaningful difference.
Christopher White Walker
Editor & Publisher
To purchase a picket or make a donation, call 342-1600.
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
I am in shock as to the cost of your fence. That makes the total $23,500. Is it made of gold? You say you only need $5,000 to complete phase one of the project. Well, is the fence phase two or three or four or is there some money to be pocketed? It is really sad that they did not consider keeping the Peter Pan pool for the children in that area. There are several children who cannot afford the aqua center nor do they have the means to get there and back. Why not donate money for a free bus trip to the aqua center at least once a week for these kids instead of an expensive fence.
April 18, 2007 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Denise_Dorcey (anonymous) says...
Mr. Dailey,
Purchasing the pickets is a donation to help the overall project. Along with helping a good cause, the donor’s name will be on the fence for all time indicating that person cared enough about the kids of Emporia to help out.
I can guarantee you NONE of this money is being pocketed. Though I am offended and disappointed by your commentary, I must remind myself you simply have no understanding of this project. I believe this is evident by your connection between updating a play area now and removing the pool several years ago.
My husband and Robin Nelson have been donating time, money and effort into this project for more than three years. Mike, Robin and the other volunteers working on this project have not taken away anything from this except the knowledge they are helping out the community.
Maybe you should consider helping out with the project also. You may find you like making a positive difference in peoples lives. Please give Mike, Robin or myself a call.
Denise Dorcey
April 19, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JWerly (anonymous) says...
I really hope that we can come together as a community to raise the $5000 needed for this project. If everyone would just send in a small amount, it would add up quickly. And for those who simply can't afford it, they could always donate their time. We did it for the train at Soden's Grove, so surely we can do it for the park.
April 19, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )