Silvermont supporters gathered at the County Commission meeting Monday night to announce that they had raised matching funds for a Silvermont Park playground.
“Many thanks to all the donors from throughout the county who helped us raise these funds,” says Kathy Zimmerman, a member of the Silvermont Centennial Committee. “This truly was a community effort with donations from $10 to $1,000. We exceeded the goal by raising $26,451.”
In March, the county commission had agreed to allocate $25,000 for a new playground if the committee could raise a matching $25,000.
“A request for proposals for the new playground will be released sometime this summer,” says Carleen Hanscom, Parks and Recreation Director.
“If all goes well, we would hope to have the playground completed before the end of the year,” she says. “It will be a great addition to the park.”
The committee’s goal was to raise the matching funds by Mother’s Day. They achieved that goal.
“Such a strong community response in just a short two months was an indication to us of the level of support for repairing and improving Silvermont Park,” says Jeannie Falknor, co-chair of the committee. “Individuals and businesses from across the county responded so positively.”
The playground is one project in the committee’s strategic plan for the park grounds. The committee also has a strategic plan for repairs to the historic mansion on the 8-acre park.
In all, the committee is recommending $2 million in repairs and improvements to Silvermont Park by 2017 when the mansion turns 100 years old.
Click for:  Plan details