The Trails for Creston Valley Society is looking for financial support from the community to help finalize their land purchase for a park on the Goat River.
Society president, Mary Jayne Blackmore, says they’ve already received some funding, but still have a ways to go. “Trails for Creston Valley Society has already received $100,000.00 in donations; we have a few grants that are pending. But, our goal for the public is to come up with the other $100,000.00 that’s needed by the middle of October.”
She says it’s an opportunity they had to jump on right away: “We purchased this land because we were concerned that the property could be lost.”
The 18.8 acre property is located at the first right just over the Goat River bridge. A dirt road reveals space for parking, though landscaping is required. Blackmore says the proposed park will feature safe walking trails along the river, picnic areas, public washrooms and access to the water that will be there for perpetuity. She adds that it will curb danger by reducing parked cars along the highway as well.
“We’d like to do a group walk down there and we will within the next month, just so people can go together and walk the property and take a look at what now is owned by our community.”
Though the remaining sum necessary to finalize the purchase is large, Blackmore suggests to split up the burden and encourages youth to take part in fundraising efforts.
“My challenge to the community is, if we had a hundred groups do a $1000.00 each, that’s $100,000.00.” Blackmore adds that plaques will be reserved for those who donate $1000.00 and that charitable tax receipts will be provided.
The Trails for Creston Valley Society will be attending the upcoming Creston Fall Fair. More information on the project can be found on their Facebook page as well as their website.
