Towne Square Park Project Gaining Support

The Washington County Commission has proposed a ‘Towne Square Park’ at the County owned lot, located at High Street and Missouri Street across from the Courthouse.

The concept has been discussed for some time and County Clerk Jenny Allen has worked with several people on a viable plan to make the best use of the lot. The principal center of the project is an amphitheater that has terraced seating and is handicapped accessible by a ramp that spirals around the ‘U” seating.

The setting would be open to music on the evenings, weekends, as well as use for school and civic groups. Festivals and events could be based around the beautiful setting.

There is a ‘water wall’ at the back that is a fountain with running water that makes the backdrop for the stage area at the South side away from High Street.

The proposal also includes a patio area at the top and the bottom levels along with a basic playground area for youngsters.

There is a variety of park bench seating areas as well as ‘old fashioned’ lighting and landscaping.

The County has put together a brochure with some basic information and a variety of donor levels available for the general public, businesses and civic organizations.

Presiding Commissioner Dave Sansegraw said at the Commission meeting on Monday, April 26th, 2021, “We think this is a great use for the property that the County already owns. We’re taking donations and no taxpayer money will be involved.”

County Clerk Jenny Allen said, “We will keep a detailed record of all donations and everyone will get a receipt. County Treasurer Phyllis Long has established a separate account for the Towne Square Park project and it will be included in the weekly minutes as we go forward.” She continued, “If, for some reason, this project does not come to completion, all donors will be refunded their donations.”

A variety of levels for donors has been proposed that include ‘buying a brick’ for $50 (4”x8”); $100 (8”x8”); to a Friend of the Park from $101 to $499; Bronze Level $500 to $1999; Silver Level $2000 to $2999; Gold Level $3000 to $4999; Platinum Level $5000 to $9999; Legacy Level $10,000 to $24,999; Diamond $25,000 to $49,999 and Tiff Level is $50,000 and up.

In this week’s edition of ‘The I-J’ readers will find a gold order form for a brick for the Park project. All donations are welcome and several individuals and groups as well as businesses have already joined the donor list.

Examples are bricks with family names, to remember someone or to recognize a group or business.

Donations have begun locally and grants are being sought through several sources. This is an exciting project for Washington County and the residents.

To find out more, please contact Jenny Allen, County Clerk, at 573-436-7704.