Excelsior Springs, MO – The Excelsior Springs Parks Foundation announced a $40,000 donation towards the development of the Milwaukee Street Park during its annual Piccadilly Gala fundraiser held on April 6th. This year’s event, themed Jewels and Jeans, raised over $30,000 in additional funds to support the Foundation’s mission of enhancing parks and recreation opportunities for Excelsior Springs residents.
According to Christi Rice, President of the Parks Foundation, the funds will go towards creating an “all-abilities park” featuring amenities designed for use by children and adults of all abilities.
Current plans for Milwaukee Street Park promise to create a vibrant hub for the neighborhood and community. The park will feature a spacious picnic gazebo with eight ADA-compliant picnic tables and a fully accessible restroom facility featuring two family restrooms with adult changing tables. This facility will serve as the central hub near the parking lot, connecting visitors to all areas of the inclusive park. The inclusive park will encompass a fully accessible playground, a scenic ⅛-mile trail with a butterfly haven, and space for an art installation.
“It’s not just an accessible playground,” said Rice. “It’s an accessible park.”
Community involvement will be a key part of the park’s development. The Parks Foundation plans to hold meetings to gather input on playground equipment, amenities, and even the park’s name.
The Excelsior Springs Parks Foundation has played a key role in recent park improvements. Their contribution wasn’t limited to funding. In 2022, they donated $20,000 and were a driving force behind the development of Rainbow Splash Park, which opened in August of that year. The park offers a zero-depth entry area, a splash pad, and a tot lot, providing families in Excelsior Springs with a much-needed amenity.
The annual Piccadilly Gala is a major fundraiser for the Parks Foundation, consistently selling out within an hour. This year’s event attracted over 200 attendees who enjoyed an evening of food, fun, and fundraising.
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