Towne Square Park Project Continues To Gain Support

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

The concept had been discussed for some time and County Clerk Jenny Allen 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.

To date, several donations have been received for the project. Cash donations total $130,007.15 currently and there are $47,100 in ‘in-kind’ donations also.

A variety of levels for donors is still available, and they include:

‘buying a brick’ for $50 (4”x8”);

$100 (8”x8” brick);

Friend of the Park = $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.

Donations, at this time, include:

Friend of the Park 4

Bronze Donor 4

Silver Donor 1

Gold Donor 1

Platinum Donor 4

Legacy Donor 3

Tiff Donor 1

Large Bricks 62

Small Bricks 35

Benches/Picnic Tables 9

Decorative Lights 1

There have been two grants applied for in the past year. The first was a $700,000 American Rescue Plan Outdoor Recreation Grant. This grant was an 80/20 match. This grant was not successful and the County was advised that no one in Missouri had a successful grant application in 2021.

The second grant is a $500,000 Land, Water, Conservation Fund Grant that is a 50/50 match. The County has been advised that the application for the Towne Square Park has made it through the preliminary phase and is moving on to the second round. If this grant is successful, and it will be awarded in 2022, the County could be in a position to break ground in early 2023 with approximately a 9 month construction time estimated.

Fund raising will continue as the grant process continues. At a 50/50 grant proposal, more donations will need to be raised for match money.

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

A year ago, 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.”

Forms for bricks for the Park project are available from the County Clerk’s office or ‘The I-J’ downtown. All donations are still 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 continued to come in locally and grants are being sought through several sources. This is an exciting project for Washington County and the residents.

Several donors have made donations for specific items that will be included such as light poles, benches, playground equipment, picnic tables and more.

Examples are lights from $1500; benches from $1000; picnic tables from $1000. All donations are appreciated and being tracked during the process.

County Clerk Jenny Allen said recently, “It’s very encouraging that so many people continue to donate and talk about the project. We’ve got a lot of bricks that can be sponsored as well as lights, benches, tables and more. We continue to get donors at various levels and it is great to see the support. It will be a great addition for our County.”

There is an evening of music and barbecue being planned for the grounds where the park will be built on Saturday, June 25th, 2022. All help is welcome and anyone that wants to be involved should contact the County Clerk’s office at the Courthouse.

Look for information and an opportunity to buy bricks at First Fridays, the Austin Festival and the Washington County Fair.

County Clerk Allen said, “We anticipate needing to raise an additional $100,000 to be able to make the match portion of this grant. Some of our in-kind donations are not eligible toward the grant match.”

She closed by saying, “We’ve come so far in just a year, please help us make it to the finish line!”

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