Dekko Foundation supports local Splashpad project with $100,000 pledge
Article Contributed
There may be snow on the ground today, but that doesn’t mean our thoughts can’t turn to next summer when local youth will be splashing in the City’s new water playground at Morsches Park. The proposed project took a giant leap forward this week with news of a $100,000 pledge from the Dekko Foundation. The pledge is contingent upon organizers raising the additional $125,000 needed to make the Splashpad a reality.
“This is a tremendous boost for the Splashpad project,” stated Mayor Jim Fleck. “We believe that providing the youth of our community with a safe place to have fun and stay cool during the summer months will be great asset to Columbia City. This new water playground will provide lots of healthy exercise for all of our kids.” he added.
The project was recognized by the Kellogg Foundation earlier this year and received a $56,000 Access to Recreation Grant – one of only six awarded via a competitive process throughout the state of Indiana. The Splashpad will be accessible to everyone, including people with special needs. In addition, there will be no charge for admission to the water playground.
For the Splashpad to open by next summer, organizers need to raise an additional $55,000 to reach the $125,000 they are required to have in place before the Dekko pledege will be met.
Mark Green, Director of the Columbia City Parks Department, is quick to point out that no donation is too small. “We hope that in addition to support from service clubs and businesses, local kids will take an active role in helping to raise money for their new playground.
"If scout groups or school clubs have an interest in a service project, we’d be very grateful for their fundraising efforts,” Green continued “The Splashpad is also on the minds of this year’s Leadership Whitley County class members who are planning a surprise fundraiser for later this spring,” he added.
Anyone interested in contributing to the Splashpad Project may send their tax deductible donations to the Whitley County Community Foundation, 400 N. Whitley Street, Columbia City, IN 46725.