Excelsior Springs, Mo. (Dec. 22, 2024) – The Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation Foundation (ESPR) is furthering its community enhancement initiative as it moves forward with its Boundless BackYard Project and asks the community to participate in local fundraising efforts.
The Boundless BackYard project consists of constructing a park on five acres off Milwaukee Street as an all-abilities playground fully equipped with a barrier-free, multi-sensory design with a single goal of inclusivity. Along with the playground, the park will have a butterfly haven and a picnic shelter for more than just children in the community to enjoy.
Nate Williams, Director of Parks and Recreation, noted the park will be accessible for every individual and child with differing physical and sensory needs.
He added that the community could participate in the ESPR efforts by purchasing a 4”x8” brick for $100 or an 8”x8” brick for $250 with a custom engraving to be placed as part of the walkway at Rainbow Splash Park. Each brick purchased will, in turn, go toward completing the park.
Williams explained that the park project’s parking lot, butterfly haven, restroom facility, and picnic tables are funded internally through the Parks Maintenance division, alongside funds raised by purchasing a brick within the community.
Each brick can be engraved with special dates, names, or a positive message for anyone who visits Rainbow Splash Park to see. Although there is a limit to the number of words that can be etched into the bricks, Williams noted, the messages will be a part of the community for generations to come.
Those participating in the fundraiser will also receive a certificate as a keepsake. Williams explained each certificate will be laser printed on ivory-colored paper, including their brick’s inscription.
In addition, the ESRP’s efforts regarding the project continue as Williams took the initiative to apply for additional funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant (LWCF). If approved, the grant would provide monies for the construction of the playground facilities.
“The playground is the only portion of the park project that has been applied for through the LWCF grant,” he said, “All the fundraising efforts from the Parks Foundation will be going toward the match for the grant.”
Williams said the LWCF grant has a long history of supporting efforts that increase public access to outdoor locations and that Boundless BackYard could become a standout addition to the community’s park system.
Those interested in purchasing a brick and supporting the ESRP’s efforts online can visit https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/parkfoundation
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