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Last Updated: Aug 22, 2008 - 12:10:50 AM |
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The pilings are up for the shelter in the new Victor city park. Mitch Traphagen Photo
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VICTOR - On May 22, during the annual Victor Community Development Association dinner, A.J. Schnebbe announced the news that two grant applications were approved for the new Victor City Park. With the grants, the total amount raised was in excess of $37,000. That amount earned a $30,000 matching donation from Orville and LoAnna Bloethe - thus bringing the total to more than $67,000.
While Schnebbe was overjoyed with the amount raised, she also mentioned that more donations were needed - not only for the new park but also to upgrade the existing city park off Washington Street.
Bill Collins, general manager of River Bend Industries, also attended the annual dinner. Taking ownership of the former Victor Plastics plant has likely not allowed much in the way of time for community involvement. River Bend, however, does expect to become a long-term citizen of the Victor area - and Collins was impressed with what he heard from Schnebbe that night.
The following day, Collins announced River Bend Industries would donate $3,000 to the Victor Park Committee to take them over the $70,000 mark.
“We are proud to be a part of the Victor community and after seeing the dedication of it’s citizens the other night at the annual dinner we to want to become a part of that ‘Pride in Victor’”, said Collins. “The Park and Recreation fund we feel is important because it gives our children a safe place to play and grow.”
For Schnebbe, the process has been a whirlwind. Over the past several weeks, a thermometer graphic has run in the East Iowa Herald detailing the progress of donations received. Some weeks, the graphic changed considerably, other weeks were smaller. Last week, there was no change at all - with donations from the community so close to the minimum needed to earn the full matching funds, it likely felt to Schnebbe as though the brass ring was within reach, but just beyond her grasp.
Only 24 hours later, however, the picture changed considerably.
“We have received 222 donations from our community amounting to $25,127.00,” Schnebbe said. “On May 19, I received a letter from Julie Gosselink, President & CEO of The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation out of Grinnell informing us our grant application had been approved for $5,000. That brought us over $30,000. Back in December, I received a letter from Orville & Loanna Bloethe stating that they would match any contribution up to $30,000. He wrote, ‘It would be a wonderful addition for our special town. It would be a great place for young and old alike.’ On Thursday, I heard that we received our requested amount of $7,500 from the Iowa County Community Foundation. This brings the total to $67,627. Now it is my understanding that River Bend will contribute $3,000 sending us over $70,000.”
Suddenly, the new Victor city park - what will surely be, as Orville Bloethe said, a great place for young and old alike, is now a reality. The months of fundraising, the updates to the city council, had all paid off for Schnebbe and the entire park committee. But mostly, it paid off for the people of Victor who will soon have a new addition to the community.
“We want the community to know how thankful we are for all of these contributions,” Schnebbe said. “We will have a wonderful park on 2nd Street. However, we don't want to stop here. We want funds to continue allowing for updates to the park on Washington Street. If the Rollie Bollie area is going to be added, it sure would be nice to make the north side of that area look attractive. It is our goal to create a fun atmosphere at that location. Funds will also be needed for continued maintenance of these locations.”
Construction of the park shelter is already underway. The hope is that it will be completed in time for Victor Fun Days on June 28. The structure will have brick to match the nearby public library, along with a brown tin roof. It will also be equipped with electricity.
And while that structure goes up, the plans are already well underway to incorporate the park into the city and community events.
“We are hosting some afternoon games, horse rides, and a movie showing at 4:30 p.m. in connection with the Fun Day,” Schnebbe said.. “If anyone would like to assist with these activities, particularly taking tickets for the different games we could use some volunteers.”
Although the park can now be built as envisioned, fundraising will continue in order to ensure that both Victor parks will be something the community can be proud of.
“Our committee is very dedicated to see that a quality park is built,” Schnebbe said. “As a committee we have been overwhelmed by the community support of the park project. As Orville commented, this has become the bright spot of Victor, a shining example of community support and an example of what can be done.”
© Copyright 2008 by The East Iowa Herald
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