Meinhard Park to get spring makeover today

The labor of love to beautify Barrington's Richard Meinhard Memorial Park continues today.

From 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers will plant perennials and flowering shrubs and spread wood chips at the park at Bristol Drive and Concord Lane.

Organizer Donna Jung said all are welcome to come out and help, adding, "We made it easy plantings so the kids can be involved."

Jung said she got involved in trying to beautify the park about four years ago after starting the Dogs Day Out events as way for local residents to socialize with their neighbors while getting their pups out for some exercise.

Last year, Barrington trustees approved upgrades to the park, including a 20-foot gazebo, playground equipment, benches, tables, shuffleboard court, two-seater swing, dog drinking fountain and brick walkway.

Jung said the village, which owns the park, agreed to the work under the condition that it'd be funded by community donations.

So far, the money raised through the sale of engraved bricks covers only the flowers and shrubs that will be planted today.

"I am hoping if we can get something visual out there, that maybe we can get some more commitments from the community," Jung said.

The group is still trying to raise at least $30,000.

One way it hopes to do so is by auctioning celebrity autographed dog leashes on eBay. Celebrities who are helping include musicians Randy Travis and Billy Ray Cyrus and former Blackhawks greats Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito.

The park was named after Richard Meinhard, who taught math at Barrington High School for 30 years and lived near the park. He retired in 1988 and died in 2000.

If you go

What: Volunteers still sought for a community planting day

Where: Richard Meinhard Memorial Park, Bristol Drive and Concord Lane, Barrington

When: 9 a.m. to noon today

More info: meinhardpark.com