Keep the water flowing: Fundraiser to aid in support of the Splashpad in Morsches Park
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A child-sized 4-wheeler, shown above, has been donated to the Columbia City Parks Department to use in a raffle to raise funds to support water usage for the Splashpad, the summer spot for refreshing fun in Columbia City's Morsches Park.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
It’s an oasis of summer bliss – refreshing cascades of water, laughter and constant movement. The Splashpad is priceless summer fun, but it isn’t free.
Sure, the big funds were raised for the outdoor water feature’s construction last summer, but there are crucial funds that will likely always need to be continually raised to support its operation.
“We spend a lot of money on the water,” says Columbia City Parks Department director Mark Green. “But, we love the Splashpad and so we’ll do anything we do to raise the funds to help support it.”
Last year, the budgeted amount of money for water usage was spent earlier than expected because the community loves the Splashpad too. Even on days when it seems almost too chilly to enjoy it, children can still be found aiming the water guns, swinging around the poles and standing on the fountains. For a kid, it seems, it is never too cold!
Fortunately, a local family recent donation will help raise needed funds for the water usage. The Barb Dunfee family donated a child-sized, gas-powered Wildfire 4-wheeler that will be raffled off with proceeds supporting the Splashpad.
The Dunfees contacted the Parks Department recently about their idea to raise funds for the Splashpad and delivered the vehicle this week.
Designed for children between the ages of 8-10, weighing less than 145 pounds, it will be a lot of fun for one lucky child.
“It’s a huge help and the money we raise from the sale of tickets will help fund the water we use for the Splashpad,” Green said. A certain amount of water is funded each year via the Parks Department budget, but with more people enjoying the Splashpad that funded amount of water could be easily surpassed.
Tickets will go on sale this evening during the Columbia City fireworks festivities in Morsches Park. Green said tickets will be available for purchase at the Whitley County 4-H Fair, in the park office and potentially other locations through August 15.
To purchase raffle tickets to support the Splashpad’s water usage fund, contact Mark Green at 248-5180.