project leader
Hallie C
location
406 N. Washington Street
(Washington, Louisiana)
latest update rss
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the project

Several local partners are working together to redevelop a vacant lot in the town of Washington across from the Town Hall into a community garden/green space called Ethel Park. Currently, the lot is a sad patch of grass and trash which previously housed a historic building. Although the historic building was, unfortunately, relocated, the property has since been purchased by generous citizens and donated to the town for the exclusive purpose of establishing a greenspace. The plan entails planting native plants/trees around a square anchored by a unique water feature, surrounded by benches, drinking fountains, and other necessities for enjoying a bit of nature in the middle of town. We will also establish kiosks with information for a historic walking tour and other town information for residents and visitors, display art/sculptures by local artists, and establish one or more "Little Libraries" with free books available for borrowing or trading. Future plans also include a small pavilion for hosting events such as a farmers market and intimate concerts, as well as plans to incorporate the park into a larger town park via walking trails, which would span between the Steamboat Turn-Around, the community center, and the nearby anticipated play area.

the steps

We are in the process of securing a project supervisor. We are also working with the Realtor Association of Acadiana and the Washington Garden Club, each of which has provided small grants to get the project off the ground. Once seed money is secured, we will begin purchasing plants and other materials which are not donated. We will also work with local artists, carpenters, and vendors to create unique installations. We would be grateful for donations of materials, time, and money. The more we raise, the better Ethel Park will be.

why we're doing it

Washington lost a real treasure when one of its historic homes was moved from the site - located directly across the street from the Town Hall in the center town. Currently residents and visitors are greeted by an empty lot. We are fortunate to have generous citizens who recognized the problem created by this eyesore and purchased the empty lot to donate to the town. We aim to create a space with which we can proudly welcome everyone to our town.

Ethel Park will present an engaging outdoor space for both residents and tourists. Visitors will be able to enjoy and learn about local flora in a peaceful setting, while also finding information about the town’s history and the community. Children and adults alike will find pleasure in art/sculpture installations by local artists, while also having the opportunity to gather for periodic events such as farmers’ markets, presentations, and concerts.

budget

Disbursed Budget 4.7.2021

Initial site prep (stump grinding, fill dirt, leveling) - $1,675

Materials - $895.50 + donations in kind

Plants/Trees - grants/donations in kind

Art and other installatiions - grants/donations in kind

TOTAL: $2,570



TOTAL RAISED = $2,650.00
ioby Fiscal Sponsorship Fee (5%) N/A
ioby Donation Processing Fee (3%) $79.50
TOTAL TO DISBURSE= $2,570.50

Original Budget:

Plants & Soil - $1,200

Pathways - $3,500

Fencing - $3,000/donations in kind

Fountain - estimate pending

Art installation - grant/donations

Hardscapes - $3,000/donations in kind



PROJECT FUNDING NEEDED = $10,000
ioby Platform Fee $35
ioby Donation Processing Fee (3%)
(Donation processing fee does not apply to match funding.)
$310
TOTAL TO RAISE = $10,345

Please note: ioby fees are estimated and will be calculated based on totals at the end of the campaign.

updates

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photos

This is where photos will go once we build flickr integration

donors

  • Anonymous
  • Charles L.
  • Cropper's
  • In Memory of William M. Hession, Sr.
  • In Memory of Juanita St. Amand
  • Stephens
  • Dwight L.
  • In Memory of Edna and W J Plattsmier
  • Joseph Cilano & Troy Kahler
  • Anonymous
  • Liz Regard
  • Melissa A Robinett
  • Karren and David Ryder
  • Gabriele and Joe Kavanaugh
  • Jeff and Hallie Coreil

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