ROCHESTER COMMUNITY PARK
Water Color Drawing of the proposed park/playground at the Rochester Community Center
The conceptual design of the future Rochester Community Park is courtesy of Mark Kirkpatrick, the Rochester High School art teacher. When completed, the park will have new sports fields, a covered picnic shelter, playground equipment, basketball court, picnic tables, and a walking path.
The first phase of the park is scheduled to begin August 2005. The first phase will include new fencing, the walking path, the sports fields, and landscaping. The fencing, initial landscaping, and the walking path is scheduled to be completed by September of 2006. Phase 2 will include completion of the covered picnic shelter, the basketball court, additional landscaping, and picnic tables. Phase 3 and beyond will include the installation of new playground equipment.
The total cost to complete the park is estimated at $105,000. To keep costs down, volunteer labor will used whenever possible. Funds to date are $8,000. Fundraising efforts include: the sale of park buttons and a giving program that allows individuals to "buy" a park bench, picnic table, piece of playground equipment, etc. Engraved plates with donor information will be attached to the "purchased item" at the park. The giving program is a great way to support the park and give a unique birthday or anniversary present, or provide a lasting memorial to someone special.
The Grand Mound-Rochester Park Association has joined with the current Weed & Seed park committee to work towards the completion of the Community Center park and to look at ways to maintain and enhance Hoss Field.