Batavia Riverwalk Purchase-A-Plank Boardwalk Renovation Kicks Off
Batavia Parks Foundation Kicks Off Riverwalk Purchase-A-Plank Campaign
Batavia, Illinois: The Batavia Parks Foundation today announces the kick off of its newest project, the Riverwalk Boardwalk Renovation and “Purchase-A-Plank” campaign. Parks Foundation President, Steven McKenna is pleased to promote the public campaign for the 2013 project, “The Batavia Parks Foundation is proud to lead support of the Riverwalk renovation of the boardwalk. Batavia's signature park asks for community support to make the project another community success story.” The project has lead major gift support from the City of Batavia, Batavia Park District, Batavia Parks Foundation and Norm Holtz and Sharon Mitchell.
The original boardwalk, built in the mid 1990's, is at the end of its useful life and needs replacing. The Parks Foundation hired Upland Designs to render a new decking and railing design utilizing Trex, a composite wood product and metal infill panels. The new design both maximizes the natural beauty of the wetlands area and takes advantage of newer technologies. The rendering is available for review at the Batavia Public Library in the lobby through January 31, then at the Batavia Park District or online at www.purchaseaplank.com.
Volunteer groups of 6-12 adults and skilled tradespersons are needed to assist with demolition and construction of the boardwalk. The plan is to demolish and rebuild a small portion of the boardwalk each Saturday. Volunteers should be of high school age or older and able to work one Saturday morning from 8 am until at least Noon to qualify as a “Group of the Week.” Groups interested should contact coordinator Sharon Mitchell at smitchell62@comcast.net to schedule your date this spring, summer or fall.
Donations of volunteer time and community donations are needed to assure success of the project. For more information, visit their website at www.purchaseaplank.com and “Like” their Facebook page, “Batavia Riverwalk Boardwalk Renovation” to follow their progress. Donations of any size may be sent to “Batavia Parks Foundation,” c/o Batavia Park District, 327 W. Wilson St., Batavia, IL 60510.
The Batavia Parks Foundation was incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)3 organization as a means of enhancing the quality of life in the Batavia community through stewardship for open space, parks, facilities, cultural activities, and recreational programs. Among our objectives is to partner with other community organizations towards common projects.
Revenue sources are solely from donations, grants, and bequests. Through a variety of fund-raising efforts, we have been able to pursue our goals. Besides planning enhancements to local parks, we have provided scholarships to needy families allowing them to participate in recreational and cultural programs.
Since its' inception, the Parks Foundation has undertaken and completed many successful projects, including the Batavia Park District Leisureship Program (2005-current) providing class scholarships to deserving individuals, Memorial Program (2005-current); the Peg Bond Center Pavilion (Bandshell) Project (2009-2010), SpaceNet at Engstrom Park (2010), Disc Golf Course at West Main (2012-2013) and now the Fox River Boardwalk Project (2013).