Spring 2026 Newsletter
We are very excited to offer a new way to stay involved with the Friends of Williamston Parks - a seasonal newsletter! This edition covers events in the spring months of March, April, and May. We will share information on activities at local parks and opportunities to get involved, continuing to grow and refine our communications as we go. Thank you for being a subscriber!
Our Very First Newsletter!
We are very excited to offer a new way to stay involved with the Friends of Williamston Parks - a seasonal newsletter! This edition covers events in the spring months of March, April, and May. We will share information on activities at local parks and opportunities to get involved, continuing to grow and refine our communications as we go. Thank you for being a subscriber!
Announcing our Board of Directors
We are happy to announce the following individuals as the Friends of Williamston Parks (FOWP) Board of Directors:
Lina Chapman - President (term expiring Jan 2028)
Heather Galecka - Vice President (term expiring Jan 2028)
Sean Chapman - Treasurer (term expiring Jan 2027)
Bryan Hamilton - Secretary (term expiring Jan 2028)
Cindy Bennett - At Large (term expiring Jan 2028)
Earl Wolf - At Large (term expiring Jan 2027)
Carol Kotesky - At Large (term expiring Jan 2027)
We are excited to share that Teri Nelson has been selected as our first Emeritus board member, an honor created in 2025 to acknowledge both board members and volunteers who have served with dedication. Teri was a founding member of FOWP as part of her role with the Williamston Kiwanis and has been a steadfast volunteer of FOWP for many years. If you see Teri around town, please congratulate her and wish her well!
A new addition to FOWP as a special committee is the Williamston Tree Council led by Jack Smith with the mission to grow and plant native tree species in Williamston public areas. More information will be coming soon!
Board meetings will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:30-7:30pm, either at the Williamston Depot Museum or a local Williamston park as noted below. In the warmer months after each board meeting in a park, we will be hosting a new Walk in the Park opportunity to enjoy a walk in our wonderful parks with your neighbors and friends. Stay tuned for more!
March 10 - Depot Museum
April 14 - McCormick Park
May 12 - Volunteers Community Park
June 9 - Howard Dahlstrom Park
July 14 - Williamstown Township Park
August 11 - Simmons Memorial Park
September 8 - Depot Museum
October 13 - Depot Museum
November 10 - Location TBD
December 8 - Location TBD
We are always looking for volunteers and board members for future years and activities. If you’re interested in getting involved, please email williamstonparks@gmail.com, visit our website for more information, or feel free to join us at a meeting!
Park Spotlight: Volunteers Community
Volunteers Community Park is approximately an acre in size and is located at the corner of Putnam and School Streets in Williamston next to the former Williamston High School, now The Commons.
Amenities: basketball courts, accessible playground, picnic shelter, paved walking trail, benches, and green space.
According to the City of Williamston, this park was envisioned as a neighborhood-level park that primarily serves the newer developed subdivisions to the south of the railroad tracks and the historic neighborhoods to the immediate north.
Many improvements to the park are due to intentional community engagement. In 2019 the Williamston Area Beautification Fund and Friends of Williamston Parks teamed up to revive the park by constructing a new playground next to the existing Trent Allen Memorial Basketball Court. The project included a play structure, four swings, a Ten Spin, and a Tri Totter.
A later crowdfunding campaign raised $29,000 to secure a matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program for the installation of a new picnic shelter, tables and seating, plus a new accessible walkway and park signage.
We hope everyone enjoys Volunteers Community Park for many years to come!
Events and Meetings Around Town
There are some exciting activities going on in our local Williamston parks, so we encourage you to get out there, get involved, and enjoy yourself!
It’s time for our annual spring clean-up! Join us at McCormick Park on April 18th from 9am-2pm to rake, stain, sweep, and lend a hand to the Williamston Scouts while they install a new gaga ball pit (!) as part of a community service project! All ages are welcome. Wear clothes that can get dirty and bring gloves. (Rain date May 2nd). We look forward to seeing you there!
The 2nd annual Brand New Festival will be on May 10th from 10am-2pm in McCormick Park. Hosted by Williamston Events, this even focuses on health and relaxation, plus kids’ activities to keep them occupied while you enjoy! More information will be coming soon and available on Facebook.
The City of Williamston monthly Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are on the 3rd Thursday of every month. A great first step to becoming more involved is to familiarize yourself with the 2024-2028 Parks Plan.
Williamstown Township hosts regular Planning Commission meetings, typically on the 4th Wednesday of every month. They have recently updated their Williamstown Parks and Recreation Master Plan and are working to establish a regular schedule for their Parks & Recreation Committee as well.
About FOWP
Formed in 2015, Friends of Williamston Parks is a volunteer community group working to enhance the quality of life of Williamston area residents by funding, planning and implementing local park improvement efforts.
Through recreation opportunities and encounters with nature, we believe Williamston area parks are vital to the community’s character, an asset to economic development and beneficial to people of all ages.
Please visit our website at www.williamstonparks.org or find us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date!
FOWP operates under the umbrella of the Williamston Area Beautification Fund (WABF) 501(c)3 status.
Chainsaw art event returns to Williamston
Back by popular demand, Chainsaw Art in the Park Encore! will bring regional chainsaw artists to Williamston’s McCormick Park, 230 N. Putnam St., on Saturday, Oct. 4. Offering many favorite activities from last year's successful weekend revitalizing the park’s tree sculptures, this family friendly event will feature live chainsaw carving, quick carve auction, music, food trucks, kids' activities, wood art vendors, portable sawmill and euchre tournament. Proceeds will benefit local park improvements.
Back by popular demand, Chainsaw Art in the Park Encore! will bring regional chainsaw artists to Williamston’s McCormick Park, 230 N. Putnam St., on Saturday, Oct. 4. Offering many favorite activities from last year's successful weekend revitalizing the park’s tree sculptures, this family friendly event will feature live chainsaw carving, quick carve auction, music, food trucks, kids' activities, wood art vendors, portable sawmill and euchre tournament. Proceeds will benefit local park improvements.
Several regional artists will be carving throughout the day, creating works to be auctioned off at 4 p.m. A highlight will be the quick carve event, in which each carver will have 60 minutes to complete a carving from a 4-foot section of white pine. Emil Skzipala, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, and James Denkins, of Cooks, Michigan, will be carving 10-foot sculptures beginning Thursday, Oct. 2 that will be completed during the Encore! event and permanently installed in McCormick Park. One will be created in honor of the Friends of Williamston Parks’ 10th anniversary, and the other will celebrate the Williamston Area Beautification Fund’s positive impact on the community.
The 2024 People’s Choice and Best of Show award winner, Szkipala stated, “It’s an honor to be invited back to Williamston and create something beautiful to commemorate the community’s artistic spirit. Being from Romania and professionally trained there, I try to bring an old-world style and meticulous detail to my work.”
In addition to live carving, there will be many special events. Little Lumberjacks will offer inflatables, balloon animals, face painting, a wood craft, paint a car and more. Live music at 5:30 p.m. will feature Jessey Adams, an award-winning singer/songwriter showcasing a combination of outlaw and traditional style country music. There will be live edge slabs for sale, wood artists and food trucks.
“Last year’s Chainsaw Art in the Park was supposed to be a one-time event to redo the tree sculptures in McCormick Park that had deteriorated over time. However, many people enjoyed it and requested a similar event this year,” said FOWP board member Lina Chapman. “We wanted to do something to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Friends of Williamston Parks and hold our annual euchre tournament that was postponed due to a tornado warning, so we combined all three goals into one event.”
Major sponsors include City of Williamston, Friends of Williamston Parks, Hutson, Inc., LaFollette Custom Homes, Studio Shop, Top Notch Tree Care, Williamston Area Beautification Fund, Williamston Inn, and Williamston Pub & Grill.
Find event updates and a complete schedule at Friends of Williamston Parks onFacebook and Instagram.
Friends of Williamston Parks began in 2015 to focus on park improvement efforts. For more information, visit www.williamstonparks.org or e-mail williamstonparks@gmail.com.
Chainsaw Art in the Park a huge success!
Chainsaw Art in the Park, held Oct. 11-13, 2024, brought new life to one of the most unique aspects of McCormick Park, the wooden tree sculptures. The first set of carvings, created in 2009 when several trees decimated by emerald ash borer were transformed into works of art, had deteriorated and reached their lifespan.
Chainsaw Art in the Park, held Oct. 11-13, 2024, brought new life to one of the most unique aspects of McCormick Park, the wooden tree sculptures. The first set of carvings, created in 2009 when several trees decimated by emerald ash borer were transformed into works of art, had deteriorated and reached their lifespan.
A family-friendly celebration of wood art, Chainsaw Art in the Park featured 10 expert wood carvers from the Midwest who worked for three days to create new sculptures. It would not have been possible without the efforts and support of 30 businesses and organizations that provided sponsorship funds and nearly 50 volunteers who worked the weekend of the event. City of Williamston’s public works staff assisted with site prep, set up and clean up.
In addition to live carving throughout the weekend, there were many special events. Little Lumberjacks offered gaga ball, tug of war, face painting, a wood craft, paint a car and more. Live music featured Jessey Adams, Intellectual Jive, and the Black Barn Band. There were plank sales, wood artists and food trucks. A quick-carve demonstration yielded the opportunity to purchase one’s own wood carving by live auction. A special presentation by veteran chainsaw artist Tim Klock offered tricks of the trade. The beverage tent provided favorite options from Williamston’s own Old Nation Brewing Company and Burgdorf’s Winery. With proper care, the new carvings of pine wood should last for many years to come.
Major sponsors include Cardinal Fabricating, City of Williamston, Friends of Williamston Parks, Glen Dor Neighborhood, Kurt and Barbara Guter, Independent Bank of Williamston, Kate’s Music Studio, Kiwanis Club of Williamston, Knights of Columbus Council #7545 Fr. FB McCormick – St. Mary Williamston, LaFollette Custom Homes, Sowing Growth, Studio Shop, Williamsburg Neighborhood, Williamston Area Beautification Fund, Williamston Pub & Grill, Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club, Williamston Rotary and Zynda’s. Additional support was provided by American Legion Post 296, Burgdorf’s Winery, DTE Energy, Estate Planning & Preservation, Edward Jones - Carrie Thorburn, Camp Pawapi, Graff Chevrolet, John Deere - Hutson, Niko’s Taverna, Williamston Inn, Williamston Wellness, and Willowicke Inn.
Master Plan Complete
With the addition of new park entrance, accessible walkway, and sign in summer 2023, the master plan for Volunteers Community Park is complete.
For phase 2 of the project, FOWP raised more than $60,000 for a new picnic shelter, picnic tables, trees and other amenities with the help of a Michigan Economic Development Corporation Public Spaces Community Places matching grant. More than 150 people and organizations supported the campaign and phase 2 was completed in summer 2022.
With the addition of new park entrance, accessible walkway, and sign in summer 2023, the master plan for Volunteers Community Park is complete.
For phase 2 of the project, FOWP raised more than $60,000 for a new picnic shelter, picnic tables, trees and other amenities with the help of a Michigan Economic Development Corporation Public Spaces Community Places matching grant. More than 150 people and organizations supported the campaign and phase 2 was completed in summer 2022.
Special thanks to those who donated $100 or more to this effort: The Bennett Family, Wanda Bloomquist, Paul Chesley, Kathleen DeForest, The Galecka Family, Todd and Gillian Granger, The Guter Family, Christine Heilman, Sandra Hopkins, Independent Bank, Nikali Luke, Jennifer Kavanagh, Williamston Area Senior Center, Balakrishna Masti, Narda Murphy, William and Mary Lou Somerville, Adam Spina, Mark Steinberg, Carrie Thorburn, Susan Waltz, Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club, Williamston Sunrise Rotary Foundation, Earl Wolf and James Wolf. There were enough funds leftover from this fundraising effort to complete the master plan in summer 2023. Final work included a new main entrance to the park, paved walkway, and new park sign.
Volunteers Community Park Phase 2: Picnic Shelter
Thank you Williamston area for making the Phase 2 campaign a success! Friends of Williamston Parks and the Williamston Area Beautification Fund have met their goal of raising $29,000 for a new picnic shelter at Volunteers Community Park. The money will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through its Public Spaces Community Places grant program.
Thank you Williamston area for making the Phase 2 campaign a success!
Friends of Williamston Parks and the Williamston Area Beautification Fund have met their goal of raising $29,000 for a new picnic shelter at Volunteers Community Park. The money will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through its Public Spaces Community Places grant program.
More than 150 people and organizations supported the campaign. Phase 2 of the park’s improvement plan includes a picnic shelter, picnic tables and paved walkway to the playground area, which will be installed in spring 2022.
Special thanks to those who donated $100 or more to this effort: The Bennett Family, Wanda Bloomquist, Paul Chesley, Kathleen DeForest, The Galecka Family, Todd and Gillian Granger, The Guter Family, Christine Heilman, Sandra Hopkins, Independent Bank, Nikali Luke, Jennifer Kavanagh, Williamston Area Senior Center, Balakrishna Masti, Narda Murphy, William and Mary Lou Somerville, Adam Spina, Mark Steinberg, Carrie Thorburn, Susan Waltz, Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club, Williamston Sunrise Rotary Foundation, Earl Wolf and James Wolf.
For additional project details and updates, visit:
2023 Jubilee Euchre Night
Last year was such a great success, let’s try to make 2023 even more successful!
Come join us on June 21st at 6:30 PM for the Annual Euchre Night during the Red Cedar Jubilee. 7:00 PM start. $10 per person buy in. There will prizes available for first place, second place and the individual with the most loaners, so be sure to bring your A game. 50/50 will also be available. We’ll see you there!
Last year was such a great success, let’s try to make 2023 even more successful!
Come join us on June 21st at 6:30 PM for the Annual Euchre Night during the Red Cedar Jubilee. 7:00 PM start. $10 per person buy in. There will prizes available for first place, second place and the individual with the most loaners, so be sure to bring your A game. 50/50 will also be available. We’ll see you there!
Ribbon Cutting for new Picnic Shelter
Friends of Williamston Parks and the Williamston Area Beautification Fund will celebrate the completion of the new picnic shelter at Volunteers Community Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 27. On the corner of Putnam and School streets in Williamston, the event will be held at 4 pm, followed by a free community picnic open to the public until 6 pm.
FOWP to Celebrate New Picnic Shelter with Ribbon Cutting
Friends of Williamston Parks and the Williamston Area Beautification Fund will celebrate the completion of the new picnic shelter at Volunteers Community Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 27. On the corner of Putnam and School streets in Williamston, the event will be held at 4 pm, followed by a free community picnic open to the public until 6 pm.
More than 150 people supported the campaign to raise $29,000, which was matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through its Public Spaces Community Spaces grant program. Major donors include The Bennett Family and Girl Scout Troop 30156, Paul Chesley, The Guter Family, Todd and Gillian Granger, Independent Bank of Williamston, William and Mary Lou Somerville and the Sunrise Rotary Foundation of Williamston. In addition to the picnic shelter, the project included new picnic tables, benches, trash receptacle, concrete walkway connecting the shelter to the playground and three new trees.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities.
The Friends of Williamston Parks began in 2015 to focus on park improvement efforts. For more information about the Friends of Williamston Parks, visit www.williamstonparks.org or e-mail williamstonparks@gmail.com.
2022 Jubilee - Euchre Night
Last year was such a HUGE success, let’s try to make 2022 even more successful! Come join us on June 23rd at 6:30 PM for the Annual Euchre Night during the Red Cedar Jubilee. 7:00 PM start. $10 per person buy in. There will prizes available for the top three players, so be sure to bring your A game and we’ll see you there!
Last year was such a HUGE success, let’s try to make 2022 even more successful!
Come join us on June 23rd at 6:30 PM for the Annual Euchre Night during the Red Cedar Jubilee. 7:00 PM start. $10 per person buy in. There will prizes available for the top three players, so be sure to bring your A game and we’ll see you there!
Crowdfunding Effort for New Picnic Shelter a Success
Friends of Williamston Parks and the Williamston Area Beautification Fund have met their goal of raising $29,000 for a new picnic shelter at Volunteers Community Park, on the corner of Putnam and School streets. The money will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through its Public Spaces Community Places grant program.
Friends of Williamston Parks and the Williamston Area Beautification Fund have met their goal of raising $29,000 for a new picnic shelter at Volunteers Community Park, on the corner of Putnam and School streets. The money will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through its Public Spaces Community Places grant program.
“We are grateful to the Williamston area community for stepping up and donating to this cause,” stated Heather Galecka. “Their generosity will make it possible to create a new outdoor gathering space in the heart of Williamston.” More than 150 people supported the campaign. Major donors include Todd and Gillian Granger, The Guter Family, Independent Bank, Williamston Sunrise Rotary Foundation, Williamston Area Senior Center, Paul Chesley and William and Mary Lou Somerville.
Phase 2 of the park’s improvement plan includes a picnic shelter, picnic tables and paved walkway to the playground area, which will be installed in spring 2022. The crowdfunding campaign ran from Sept. 13 to Oct. 22 and raised more than $29,000. For additional project details and updates, visit www.patronicity.com/williamston.
“With the installation of this picnic shelter, Volunteers Community Park will be fully renovated into a new gathering space that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities.
The Friends of Williamston Parks began in 2015 to focus on park improvement efforts. For more information about the Friends of Williamston Parks, visit www.williamstonparks.org or email williamstonparks@gmail.com.
Williamston Sunrise Rotary Makes Lead Donation to Volunteers Community Park Campaign
Williamston Sunrise Rotary has made a lead gift of $9,000 to the Friends of Williamston Parks’ (FOWP) efforts to build a picnic shelter at Volunteers Community Park in Williamston.
Williamston Sunrise Rotary has made a lead gift of $9,000 to the Friends of Williamston Parks’ (FOWP) efforts to build a picnic shelter at Volunteers Community Park in Williamston.
“Williamston Sunrise Rotary is excited to be part of this project that will further enhance the City of Williamston's park system,” stated Rotary President Wanda Bloomquist. “The Friends are a dedicated group of Williamston residents who are committed to creating a community for everyone to enjoy. The new shelter will provide a space for families and neighbors to come together.”
All funds raised through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places grant program will benefit improvements at Volunteers Community Park on the corner of Putnam and School streets. Phase 2 includes plans for a picnic shelter, picnic tables and paved walkway to the playground area.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $29,000 by October 22, the MECD will double the donations. For project details and to donate, please visit www.patronicity.com/williamston.
“We are grateful for Rotary’s support,” stated Heather Galecka, FOWP president. “This major gift is a big step toward meeting our goal and earning the matching grant from the MEDC. Rotary continues to make a positive impact on this community in so many ways.”
The Friends of Williamston Parks began in 2015 to focus on park improvement efforts. For more information about the Friends of Williamston Parks, visit www.williamston parks.org or e-mail williamstonparks@gmail.com.
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The Friends of Williamston Parks is a volunteer community group working to enhance the quality of life of
Williamston area residents by funding, planning and implementing local park improvement efforts.
Through recreation opportunities and encounters with nature, we believe Williamston area parks are vital
to the community’s character, an asset to economic development and beneficial to people of all ages.
Crowdfunding campaign launched for Volunteers Community Park Picnic Shelter!
Williamston will soon complete its renovation of Volunteers Community Park with a new picnic shelter, seating, and walkway that will be made possible through a crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Williamston Area Beautification Fund, and Friends of Williamston Parks announced today. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
The open grass in Volunteers Community Park will soon house a new picnic shelter if the Public Spaces Community Places grant campaign through the MEDC is a success. Image Courtesy of Friends of Williamston Parks
LANSING, Mich. – Williamston will soon complete its renovation of Volunteers Community Park with a new picnic shelter, seating, and walkway that will be made possible through a crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Williamston Area Beautification Fund, and Friends of Williamston Parks announced today. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $29,000 by October 22, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/williamston.
“With the installation of this picnic shelter, Volunteers Community Park will be fully renovated into a new gathering space that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”
Volunteers Community Park lies in the heart of Williamston and had been in need of renovation for safety and better use. In 2019 the Williamston Area Beautification Fund and Friends of Williamston Parks teamed up to revive Volunteers Community Park by constructing a new playground to complement the existing basketball courts. Now it is time to complete the revival by creating a new picnic shelter, seating, and providing an accessible walkway from the picnic shelter to playground area.
"The Williamston Area Beautification Fund and Friends of Williamston Parks are grateful and excited for the opportunity to work with the MEDC on this fundraising effort. The Public Spaces Community Places program will help us maximize the Williamston community's dollars and make our vision for Volunteers Community Park as a true gathering space a reality,” said Earl Wolf, President of Williamston Area Beautification Fund. “With every dollar being doubled by the MEDC, we hope to reach our goal of $29,000 raised and install the new picnic shelter in Spring 2022."
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, in which local residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.
“The Michigan Municipal League is a firm believer in building community wealth in ways that build on existing assets to enhance the human experience for everyone,” said Dan Gilmartin, the League’s CEO and Executive Director. “Making significant improvements to Volunteers Community Park does both. With the support of the Williamston area community, this effort will improve the human experience for everyone for years to come. That is what community wealth building is about.”
The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of Aug. 31, 2021, MEDC has provided more than $9 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 290 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with $10.5 million raised from 50,104 individual donors.
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
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2021 Jubilee - Euchre Night
Come join us on August 5th at 6:30 PM for the Annual Euchre Night during the Red Cedar Jubilee. Prizes include gifts cards to Old Nation, Sunny side, D&W and The Studio Shop. Grand prize is a beautiful, metal wall hanging of the foot bridge over the Red Cedar.
Come join us on August 5th at 6:30 PM for the Annual Euchre Night during the Red Cedar Jubilee. Prizes include gifts cards to Old Nation, Sunny side, D&W and The Studio Shop. Grand prize is a beautiful, metal wall hanging of the foot bridge over the Red Cedar.
FOWP Installs Boogie Board
Friends of Williamston Parks recently installed a new piece of playground equipment at Williamston’s McCormick Park. Manufactured by Landscape Structures, the boogie board spans 10 feet and can hold multiple children.
Friends of Williamston Parks recently installed a new piece of playground equipment at Williamston’s McCormick Park. Manufactured by Landscape Structures, the boogie board spans 10 feet and can hold multiple children.
“We would like to thank Alec Kolenda, of Go Green Landscapes, and Rob Bennett of Elliott Food Equipment for donating time, equipment and materials to do the installation,” said Heather Galecka, president of FOWP. “It’s a great example of the community working together.”
The investment for equipment and installation materials was approximately $3,000 and funded by private donations.
Friends of Williamston Parks began in 2015 to focus on park improvement efforts in the Williamston area. For more information about the Friends of Williamston Parks, visit www.williamstonparks.org.
Volunteers Give McCormick Park Some TLC
Friends of Williamston Parks held a successful Clean-Up Day as more than 25 volunteers stained, painted, raked, weeded and other tasks to beautify McCormick Park on Saturday, May 8. The 2021 volunteers were Lina and Sean Chapman, John Bollman, the Bennett family, the Bertolino family, Shawn Elli, Jill Cutshaw, Carolyn Schein, the Rogers family, the Gailitis family, Teri Nelson, Earl Wolf, Mark Steinberg, Joe Wheeker and Todd Carlisle.
Friends of Williamston Parks held a successful Clean-Up Day as more than 25 volunteers stained, painted, raked, weeded and other tasks to beautify McCormick Park on Saturday, May 8. The 2021 volunteers were Lina and Sean Chapman, John Bollman, the Bennett family, the Bertolino family, Shawn Elli, Jill Cutshaw, Carolyn Schein, the Rogers family, the Gailitis family, Teri Nelson, Earl Wolf, Mark Steinberg, Joe Wheeker and Todd Carlisle.
“Thank you to the families and individuals who worked hard during three shifts on Saturday. Also, I would like to thank D&W Fresh Market for providing refreshments,” said Heather Galecka, president of Friends of Williamston Parks.
FOWP to Install New Playground Equipment
Surf’s up at Williamston’s McCormick Park this summer. Friends of Williamston Parks plans to install a new piece of playground equipment in the wooden play structure. The boogie board replaces the trolley ride, which had been removed last spring due to updated safety regulations.
Surf’s up at Williamston’s McCormick Park this summer. Friends of Williamston Parks plans to install a new piece of playground equipment in the wooden play structure. The boogie board replaces the trolley ride, which had been removed last spring due to updated safety regulations.
Image courtesy of Landscape Structures
Manufactured by Landscape Structures, the boogie board spans 10 feet and can hold multiple children. The investment for equipment and installation materials is approximately $3,000. If you would like to contribute to the cost of this item, please send a donation to WABF, PO Box 116, Williamston, MI 48895 (memo: FOWP) or via PayPal at williamstonparks@gmail.com.
The Friends of Williamston Parks began in 2015 to focus on park improvement efforts in the Williamston area. For more information about the Friends of Williamston Parks, visit www.williamstonparks.org.
2020 FOWP Annual Report
Like many organizations, several of Friends of Williamston Parks’ projects were put on hold due to COVID-19 precautions. However, the board met regularly outside and via Zoom to work toward the group’s goals. While Williamston’s parks were closed as a precaution for a short period of time, they provided a recreational outlet for many people during this time of social distancing.
Like many organizations, several of Friends of Williamston Parks’ projects were put on hold due to COVID-19 precautions. However, the board met regularly outside and via Zoom to work toward the group’s goals. While Williamston’s parks were closed as a precaution for a short period of time, they provided a recreational outlet for many people during this time of social distancing.
FOWP participated in an outreach event at the Williamston High School in January 2020 and secured contact information for eight new volunteers. In June, the group held a workday to clean up McCormick Park and reseal a portion of the wooden play structure. Members also surveyed the city playgrounds for upkeep needed and made minor repairs. FOWP contributed funds toward the additional mulch required to maintain a safe play surface.
The FOWP Little Free Library in McCormick Park continued to serve the community. FOWP board members and the public helped keep it well stocked.
In the fall, employees from Williamston’s Independent Bank gathered for a community service day to stain and seal several tree sculptures in McCormick Park. The bank also made a $500 donation to FOWP.
FOWP secured a private donation of $10,000 for the proposed picnic shelter at Volunteers Community Park, bringing the group more than halfway to its goal for that project. Fundraising and planning for the picnic shelter will continue in 2021.
Volunteers fulfill a Columbus Day Community service project!
Awesome job ladies!!!! FOWP would like to say THANK YOU to the volunteers from Independent Bank of Williamston who fulfilled a Columbus Day Community service project today at McCormick Park.
Awesome job ladies!!!! FOWP would like to say THANK YOU to the volunteers from Independent Bank of Williamston who fulfilled a Columbus Day Community service project today at McCormick Park.
Veronica King, Amy Stevens, Kathy Sparks and Carol Kotesky performed much needed scraping, cleaning and sealing on 3 of the park wooden sculptures.
Thank you so much for your time and service.
FOWP 2020 Park-Cleanup
2020 Park Clean-up day will be June 6th from 9 am until 1:30 pm at McCormick Park. A household may sign up for one slot. Individuals will work at a safe distance apart. Tasks include staining the slats and play structure, painting, sealing wood sculptures and general trash removal and cleanup. Please review the available slots if you're interested in signing up. Thank you!
2020 Park Clean-up day will be June 6th from 9 am until 1:30 pm at McCormick Park. A household may sign up for one slot. Individuals will work at a safe distance apart. Tasks include staining the slats and play structure, painting, sealing wood sculptures and general trash removal and cleanup. Please review the available slots if you're interested in signing up. Thank you!
2019 FOWP Annual Report
In 2019, Friends of Williamston Parks’ efforts primarily focused on the new playground at Volunteers Community Park in Williamston. In the first quarter of the year, the final $30,000 needed was raised from grants and private donations.
In 2019, Friends of Williamston Parks’ efforts primarily focused on the new playground at Volunteers Community Park in Williamston. In the first quarter of the year, the final $30,000 needed was raised from grants and private donations.
The organization achieved its goal of installing a new playground on July 25, 2019, following a three-day Community Build. Under the direction of a playground installation supervisor from Miracle Midwest, 20 volunteers worked each day to install the playground equipment. It features four different elements: a play structure, four swings, a Ten Spin, and a Tri Totter. Designed for ages 2 to 12, the equipment offers a wide variety of play and movement experiences—to swing, bounce, slide, climb, jump and spin. In addition, two trees, two benches and two trash cans where added to the play area.
Many contractors donated services to make the installation possible, and several local restaurants donated food for the volunteers during the Community Build. Funds for the playground project were provided by Williamston Kiwanis, Capital Region Community Foundation, Williamston Sunrise Rotary, Red Oak Foundation, Old Nation/FeelGood Tap, Dart Foundation and many private donors.
In addition to the positive community feeling created by the successful volunteer build effort, families, caregivers and daycare providers benefit daily from this new playground. People are using the park and enjoying the equipment, which has a lifespan of 30 years. As the park is free and open from dawn until dusk, an exact number of users is difficult to determine.
The City of Williamston embraced the project and invested in professional park planning services to develop a master plan for Volunteers Community Park. They completed the excavation for the project and contributed to the overall appeal of the park by putting in a concrete walkway border and additional landscaping. In response to citizen requests, a portable restroom is available spring through fall.
In other activities, FOWP continued to assist with McCormick Park upkeep and manages a new Little Free Library near the Tot Lot.
Next year’s focus areas will be Phase 2 of the Volunteers Community Park Master Plan, which includes a picnic shelter and additional walkways; exploring options for a skate park; and increased communication with surrounding communities. FOWP also will continue to work toward becoming an independent nonprofit.
Volunteers Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrated by Chamber, City, and FOWP
Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the City of Williamston and the Friends of Williamston Parks to celebrate the opening of the new playground at Volunteers Community Park. Thanks again for everyone's hard work on this project!
Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the City of Williamston and the Friends of Williamston Parks to celebrate the opening of the new playground at Volunteers Community Park. Thanks again for everyone's hard work on this project!
