City to start Friends of the Parks
The city of Waupaca wants to organize a Friends of the Parks group.
An organizational meeting was held at the Recreation Center on Jan. 12, with plans for another meeting to be held in the future.
"For probably the last year, we wanted to get something started," said Parks Superintendent Russ Montgomery.
He told the handful of people that attended the Jan. 12 meeting that current economic constraints are one of the reasons why the city seeks to start such a group.
"The trails kind of have a friends group, but the ambition level is dwindling," he said. "With (Recreation Program Supervisor) Aaron (Jenson) on board, we have lots of projects."
Montgomery cited the need for people to help fundraise for park projects, work on actual projects and to volunteer at tournaments held at Swan Park.
One subject brought up at the organizational meeting was interest in having a soccer complex in the community.
Ian Polebitski noted that with children as young as age 5 up to adult leagues playing soccer here, it is the biggest sport played in Waupaca.
Soccer tournaments could draw people to the community. "It's something I'd love to see," he said.
Montgomery said leaders are needed to run a Friends of the Parks group and that the city is looking for people who are interested in various aspects of parks and recreation.
"Regardless of the interest, the focus will be on all areas of parks and recreation," he said. "Everyone has to work together and help everybody."
The Waupaca Area Public Library has a Friends of the Library group that supports its programming.
Montgomery said those interested in being involved in a Friends of the Parks group should call the city's Parks and Recreation Department at 715-258-4435.
An organizational meeting was held at the Recreation Center on Jan. 12, with plans for another meeting to be held in the future.
"For probably the last year, we wanted to get something started," said Parks Superintendent Russ Montgomery.
He told the handful of people that attended the Jan. 12 meeting that current economic constraints are one of the reasons why the city seeks to start such a group.
"The trails kind of have a friends group, but the ambition level is dwindling," he said. "With (Recreation Program Supervisor) Aaron (Jenson) on board, we have lots of projects."
Montgomery cited the need for people to help fundraise for park projects, work on actual projects and to volunteer at tournaments held at Swan Park.
One subject brought up at the organizational meeting was interest in having a soccer complex in the community.
Ian Polebitski noted that with children as young as age 5 up to adult leagues playing soccer here, it is the biggest sport played in Waupaca.
Soccer tournaments could draw people to the community. "It's something I'd love to see," he said.
Montgomery said leaders are needed to run a Friends of the Parks group and that the city is looking for people who are interested in various aspects of parks and recreation.
"Regardless of the interest, the focus will be on all areas of parks and recreation," he said. "Everyone has to work together and help everybody."
The Waupaca Area Public Library has a Friends of the Library group that supports its programming.
Montgomery said those interested in being involved in a Friends of the Parks group should call the city's Parks and Recreation Department at 715-258-4435.
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2 Comments for "City to start Friends of the Parks
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Soccer does not require a complex, which is one reason it is the most popular sport in the world. I don't even know what a "soccer complex" is - and I've played the sport in 4 countries.
lastpercentile Jan 18, 2012 9:28 PM
I believe Mr. Montgomery was number 2 under Jim Ash for the past 20 years and now Number 1 (?) in control at the Park and Rec Dept.
If those working closest with Mr. Ash had not been asleep at the economic wheel (or in total denial...must be some explanation) perhaps there would not be an economic constraint in that department now as most of these desired projects may have already been accomplished with funds previously collected but unfortunately disappeared.
Hopefully Mr. Jenson can inspire a new era of trust in the Park and Rec office and support for the projects they wish to pursue with the help of the community.
verytiredofit Jan 23, 2012 4:43 PM