OCTOBER 21, 2024 |
Photo – Landscape drawing of park – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Never Forget Park Committee is hosting a Veteran’s Day fundraiser to support further construction of the memorial park.
For the past 16 years, the town of Saratoga has been working on a plan to build a park in remembrance of local hero Staff Sergeant Tyler Pickett, and all those who serve to protect American lives. Numerous delays and reductions in the scope of the project meant that construction on the property, located at the corner of Pic Pike Road and East River Street, only began last month with the installation of concrete curbs and gutters.
Speaking at the October 15th Saratoga town council meeting, Never Forget Park Committee member Stacey Crimmins expressed her appreciation for the support the town has provided for the first phase of the project.
Crimmins said the curb and gutter installation has nearly depleted the Never Forget Park Committee’s accounts. While fundraising efforts continue, Crimmins said work will begin on the next phase of the project: landscaping.
To raise more money for Never Forget Park, the committee has started a Veterans Day fundraising event. Crimmins explained that committee members are asking 11 people a day to donate $100 each until November 11th, Veterans Day.
Crimmins explained that the Veterans Day Appeal fundraiser will help cover the cost of landscaping.
The final phase of the project entails constructing bathrooms and paving the parking lot. Crimmins said earlier this month, the Never Forget Park Committee received a $556,000 grant from the National Parks Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund. However, the grant requires a 50% match, meaning the total is closer to $278,000.
The grant match can be made using cash or in-kind donations of labor from the town of Saratoga. Crimmins said the Never Forget Park Committee budgeted for $40,000 worth of in-kind donations, which the town will likely exceed.
Armed with a notice to proceed from the National Parks Service, Crimmins said the Never Forget Park Committee will decide how best to use the federal grant money. In the meantime, Crimmins said the committee will hold a series of public meetings to coordinate the beginning of phase two landscaping work.
Crimmins said she doesn’t expect landscaping work to begin this year. The committee will purchase landscaping materials over the winter in preparation for next spring.
To donate to the Never Forget Park, go to neverforgetpark.com and click on “Make a Contribution.” Additionally, you may mail a check to Town of Saratoga, PO Box 486, Saratoga, WY 82331. Write Never Forget Park in the memo line.
The Never Forget Park Committee is hoping to collect $1,100 worth of donations every day from now until Veterans Day.
