May 28, 2023 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Fundraising planned for Splash Pad

Former Mayor BJ Hackler used to talk about three things when talking about why people should move to St. Joseph.

The schools, the strong community ties and the parks.

Now, plans are underway to honor Hackler at the Woodard Sports Complex with a splash pad bearing his name.

A committee consisting of Julie Hendrickson, Nora Maberry, and Jen Wagner are starting plans to fundraise for the project.

Committee chair Hendrickson said she thought funding the project through fundraising was important.
“I want the community to take ownership of this,” she said.

Hendrickson said Catlin has a splash pad that was funded all through donations. The cost for a splash pad and installation is $100,000.

The committee is planning to pay for door hangers that will enable people to mail donations back to the village hall for the splash pad.

Hendrickson said she would like to see residents volunteer to install the splash pad and the concrete needed, much like they did when the playground at the sports complex was installed.

Hendrickson said she thought Hackler would be excited about the idea of bringing more activities to town for children and their families.

“He was always looking for ways to grow the community and do things for the children in town, it’s the perfect way to honor him,” said Hendrickson. “He was very instrumental in getting the Woodards to donate the land for that park.”

Hendrickson said the committee is looking at several options for the splash pad including a baseball and football water feature, water rings for children to run through and a mushroom that would spray sheets of water.

“It will be a draw for people,” Hendrickson said. “It’s something for the community that isn’t just a ball diamond. It would be for everyone.”

Hendrickson said the goal is for the fundraising to be completed by Fall 2022 with the project completed by Spring 2023. Donations can be dropped off at village hall with the subject line “splash pad.”

The Committee is discussing other fundraising ideas beyond just asking for donations. Some ideas include spaghetti dinners and selling T-shirts. Anyone with fundraising ideas should reach out to Hendrickson at village hall.

Banner
Related Posts

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, May 23,2023

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

It’s a big night. They are going to approve the sewer plant expansion and upgrade. (unless someone totally throws me...

Spring Community Garage sales canceled

March 30, 2020

March 30, 2020

The St. Joseph Community Spring Garage Sales, scheduled for April 30-May 2, are being canceled in accordance with the CDC’s...

St. Joseph resident Lewis to star in ‘Frozen Jr.’

September 21, 2019

September 21, 2019

Hayden Lewis loves to act. The St. Joseph Middle School student is participating in the The Champaign Urbana Theatre Company...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board

April 28, 2020

April 28, 2020

We are here and zooming in. #safetyfirst Jeff Van Buskirk will be replacing Roy McCarty on the village board. They...

Village to host Taste of St. Joseph

May 11, 2023

May 11, 2023

The Village of St. Joseph wants residents to taste what the the has to offer. The first-ever event will take...

10 things you don’t know about me….. Pam Leiter

January 30, 2019

January 30, 2019

Every week we ask a community member to tell us 10 interesting facts about themselves. This week it is Pam...

Appl can hear the good news, and that’s a good thing

May 8, 2019

May 8, 2019

Ten years ago, Candi Appl was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disease that usually affects...

Get to know SJO marching band member Kirsten Schaefer

October 21, 2022

October 21, 2022

My favorite part about marching band is the endless support that is shared throughout the band with one another and...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Jan. 12, 2021

January 12, 2021

January 12, 2021

I will live blog tonight. Pavlov media will give a presentation. Susan Monte from Regional Planning will be there. We...

Village to take vote on dispensary Sept. 10

August 27, 2019

August 27, 2019

Residents have until Sept. 10 to make their opinions on a dispensary within the village known. During the August 27...

Live at St. Joseph Village Board, May 9, 2023

May 9, 2023

May 9, 2023

I am here so you don’t have to be. They are swearing in the board members today. #newbutold Jeff Van...

Area Halloween events start this weekend

October 19, 2022

October 19, 2022

Oct. 22.The SJO Student Council is hosting Halloween fun from 5-6:30 p.m. High School Students will hold a trunk or...

St. Joseph rallies to find missing dog

September 17, 2020

September 17, 2020

Operation bring Piper home is in full effect in St. Joseph. Piper, a yellow labrador retriever, went missing from the...

Local towns schedule egg hunts

April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

April 13 St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt The Chamber of Commerce stuffs 1500 eggs with candy, stickers,...

10 things you don’t know about me… Jason Retz

November 7, 2019

November 7, 2019

In honor of SJO Cross Country going to state this week we asked head coach Jason Retz to tell us...

Comments
Leave a Reply