EPF Launches 110 Campaign
History converges with modern day. 110 years ago, on the 40th Anniversary of the city of Eskridge, the town celebrated its newly-built bandstand in the Park. Over 5000 people, including the Governor, travelled from near and far to attend the 3 day-long ‘Home Coming’ celebration in 1909.
The image shows the newly-constructed bandstand and visitors turned out in their finest attire to the 40th Anniversary ‘Home Coming’ Celebration in Eskridge, 1909.
Fast forward to 2016, Bruce Waugh appeals to the Eskridge City Council to work toward the improvement of the Eskridge Park and they approved. The Eskridge Park Board was born. By January 2017, the historic Bandstand and the park in its entirety are placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The following year, the Board joins the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation (KRCF) and becomes a non-profit foundation.
Over the last two and a half years, our board has worked to bring our vision to life.
We have hosted several Bingo games at the Lake Wabaunsee Fire House and hosted other events to put our name out into the community.
We are working on getting a visual plan of the playground from a landscape architect so we can share our vision with everyone.
Our end goal is not just a piece of playground equipment or a few repairs, but a revitalization of the entire park.
The Board is aiming for a complete restoration of the Bandstand, a full playground for the children of the community, an open air shelter house, sidewalks, lighting, picnic tables and grills, and a resurfacing and repair of the tennis courts, and more.
The Board has a goal of earning an initial $35,000 this year to place toward urgent needs in the park and to have the chance to apply for grant money. The Board consists of Bruce Waugh, Annie Compton, Kari Warren, Amy Williams, Tasha Raine, Jennifer Bennett, and City Council representative Brett Kemble. We are a small group of volunteers that are extremely motivated.
Our group has recently received the exciting news that the Emporia Community Foundation has selected us among others, to join their Match Day event on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2019. This is the first group from Wabaunsee County who has participated in the event. On November 11th, the Eskridge Park Foundation will invite everyone to donate any amount they can. The ECF has $60,000 in funds to donate to the participating groups, depending on how much each group earns.
The Eskridge Park Foundation hopes to gain the support of the community in or endeavor. If you, or anyone you know, would like to support the group now, you can send your check via mail to PO Box 215, Eskridge, KS 66423 or online at gofundme.com/eskridgepark during the length of the campaign. Donations can also be made any time at thekrcf.org by selecting the Donate tab. If you would like to have your donation matched, simply post-date your check for November 11, 2019, or come to the Flint Hills Mall in Emporia on November 11 and stop by the Eskridge Park Foundation table to participate.
Letter to Our Supporters:
(coming to your mailbox soon!)
Dear Friends of the Eskridge Community,
When you think back to your childhood and simpler times, what are some of your favorite memories? Perhaps it was enjoying a picnic on a warm spring day, playing a game of basketball with neighborhood kids, or testing your strength on a jungle gym.
The community of Eskridge has needed a safe local space to experience these fun activities for many years now.
The main mission of the Eskridge Park Foundation is to beautify and revitalize the Eskridge City Park while maintaining its historical significance and importance as the center of our community.
Did you know that the bandstand in the Eskridge City Park is on the National Register of Historic Places?
The park was established in 1903, when the City of Eskridge purchased an entire city block from John and Sadie Waugh. In 1909, the city marked the completion of the new bandstand by hosting a Homecoming Celebration which was attended by over 5,000 people including the Governor.
Since our Bandstand is now 110 years old, we believe it is time to restore our park and make improvements for the future of our community. Through the 110 Campaign, we hope to raise enough funds for these park updates:
· New sidewalks
· Lighting throughout the park
· New picnic tables
· Restoration of the bandstand
· Updated basketball courts
· A safe and modern playground
To make this dream a reality, we need your help! Our goal is to raise $35,000 by the end of 2019, which will be required to match funds for a larger park improvement grant.
In the spirit of tradition, the Waugh family has pledged the first $1,100 gift to support the 110 Campaign and the improvement of the Eskridge City Park.
Please consider giving to our cause by returning the attached donation form to make your pledge, or visit our donation website at www.gofundme.com/eskridgepark.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~Helen Keller
