Westonia Park…
Back in 2016 we had a meeting with the Principal of JB Atkinson Elementary school, Dr Nutter. JB is located just down the street from the Mackin building. In that conversation we asked,
“What is one thing we could do that would help you?”
Her response was that we clean up Westonia Park so that her students could walk there and use it.
During the Summer of that year we had over 800 Neighbors from afar come and help restore the park. We worked with Jason Canuel from Metro Parks, who was then in charge of the engineering of the parks, and who is now the Metro Park’s Director. We removed old fences, fallen trees, old buildings, pruned overgrown trees, painted buildings, replaced water fountains, mowed waist tall grass …. Everything and Anything we could do to get it operational. By the Fall of that year the City (Metro Parks) offered us the park at a $1 a year lease with total control over what happens in the park.
In 2019 Love City went out and raised over $200,000 in private donations to fully restore the park, it deserved a facelift that the city couldn’t afford. Zero dollars were given from the city or local governments officials. That included New Picnic Tables, New FULL COURT Basketball, New soccer field, New water fountains, BBQ Grills, New roof and fresh bathrooms on the restroom building, and a whole
Lot of LOVE. ALL PRIVATELY Funded!!
Full Court Basketball Court Being layed, previously there was only a half court with one basket.
The entire field being re-graded
Putting down fresh mulch around the playground.
In 2020 an over $100,000 Brand new Playground went in the park that the children in the community deserved.
Since the renovations we have picked up a kazillion needles, trash galore, cleaned bathrooms, painted over more graffiti than you can imagine, even had to evict someone from living in the restroom building. We have mowed…
And mowed… and mowed…
We have used the park in a hundred different ways: water balloon fights (Westonia Water Wars), basketball practices, field days, camps, cook outs, you name it. And we have made so many beautiful friends in the journey, but to us, watching our Neighbors actually utilize the park has made us smile more than anything.
Back to school giveaway at the park.
Soccer Camp at the park
Baseball Camp at Westonia
Cooking out at the Park
I remember when we first started cleaning it, we had Neighbors around the park tell us it was a waste of our time. Now you ride by there and it’s beautiful to watch it being used.
Today….. after a lot of thought, we have decided not to renew the lease, which takes us out of any control of the park. We had no idea that a conversation with a Principal would lead to almost 10 years of Loving a Park. Whoever the next steward, we hope you will honor and Love her well. Going forward, If you desire to use the park for an event you will need to contact Metro Park directly to inquire about usage.
Shawn Arvin
School Snack List!!!
If you are looking for a way to support Mighty Oak Academy and our mission of quality community based education, please consider helping us provide our students with nutritious snacks from our Amazon Wish List, you can order here.
Merriment Moving!!!
Merriment will be closed for the time being while we move to the Saint Cecilia Campus. If you would still like to make a donation, please call (502) 930-9006 to arrange a time to drop off.
Fish Fry Open!!!
The Fish Fry is open!! Stop in for a fish sandwich or some churched up tots. Whether you’re in the mood for burgers or chicken tenders, we have them here.
If you are interested in volunteering or to find out more information about supplies needed please email: info@lovecityinc.org or call (502) 272-078.