Kirk Park Community Project Progress Report
(photo by Jean Robert)
What is the Project?
The Kirk Park Community Project is bringing together community service groups, local businesses and foundations, the Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation through our local Manchester Wellness Coalition, and supporting residents of Manchester to make major repairs and upgrades to the Kirk Park baseball diamonds and playground in the Village of Manchester. The deteriorated condition of the diamonds was noted in the Village of Manchester Parks and Recreation Plan for 2013-2017. Kirk Park is used extensively by youth sports programs organized under Manchester Area Youth Sports (MAYS). Many Manchester service organizations focus on youth programs and assistance, and agreed to participate in a community project with MAYS and the Village Parks Commission to improve these ball fields, related infrastructure, and the children’s play area adjacent to the ball diamonds.
Working with the Parks Commission, MAYS identified the needed upgrades to the ball diamonds, and developed budget estimates with local contractors for necessary services and materials. New play structures were also identified for the benefit of younger families attending the games, and for general use by area children. Several Manchester community service organizations agreed to review these needs, and develop a community-wide project to be funded jointly by many organizations.
Manchester Area Youth Sports
Manchester Area Youth Sports typically enrolls 275-325 boys and girls ages 4-14 in organized baseball and softball teams, from the Village of Manchester and surrounding townships. Besides the approximately 300 children directly involved in the baseball games, their related family members will benefit from the improved facilities and the social connections they provide. A number of adult baseball/softball players will also benefit from casual use of the diamonds through the parks reservation system. MAYS will also utilize the upgraded facilities to promote increased youth sports enrollments, and to host regional tournaments in the summer and fall, with the objective of drawing people to Manchester and utilizing these tournament fees and increased concession stand sales for future maintenance of the facilities.
Project Scope
The project scope involves a complete rebuild of both ball fields and repair of drainage issues; removing and replacing all ball field fences, posts and backstops; installing poly cap for the fencing; installing a roll-top security window for the concession stand; sandblasting the aluminum bleacher frames, and repainting and/or replacing boards with covers as needed; constructing four new dugouts; and purchasing and installing new play structures in the playground adjacent to the south ball diamond. The total estimated cost is $ 136,000. This cost estimate may be reduced by volunteer contributions of services and materials.
Grant from the Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation
The Chelsea-Area Wellness Foundation, through the Manchester Wellness Coalition, supports this project in the 2013-2014 Manchester Comprehensive Wellness Plan funded under the 5 Healthy Towns Initiative. The Manchester Wellness Coalition is a group of 40 local volunteers from Manchester service clubs, businesses, health professionals, schools, government, library and interested citizens who work with the Foundation to develop and implement local healthy living programs. The Kirk Park Community Project supports the 5 Healthy Towns missions of “Move More” and “Connect with Others”, and will help with community youth events which increase physical activity time and encourage healthy social connections. A grant of $35,000 has been approved towards the Kirk Park Community Project.
Project Schedule
The fundraising campaign launched in May 2013, with a goal of securing the necessary pledge commitments throughout 2013 and early 2014. Our goal is to complete the project in 2014.
Commitments to Date
Besides the $35,000 CWF grant, we have obtained pledge commitments to date from:
- Kiwanis Club of Manchester • Manchester Civic Club
- Manchester Area Friends • Manchester Lions Club
- Worth Repeating • CEI Composite Materials
- Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce • United Bank & Trust
- Jack and Elaine Creech
We have raised a total of $ 60,700 to date towards our goal.
Oversight
The Village of Manchester, through the Village Manager, the Parks Commission and the Village Council, will serve as the oversight and fiduciary organization for all funds raised, and for the design and construction required for these park improvements. Pledge commitments and funds should be forwarded to the Village of Manchester, and noted for the Kirk Park Project.
How Can You Help?
The Project seeks your support through a donation from your service club, your business, or your personal generosity and willingness to help. Members of the service organizations will be approaching their club members with requests. We will also conduct a direct fundraising campaign and event this year.
Donations will also be accepted directly by mail to:
Village of Manchester
Kirk Park Community Project
912 City Road, PO Box 485
Manchester, Michigan 48158
Please direct questions to Jeff Wallace, Village Manager, at 734-428-7877 or jwallace@vil-manchester.org
Further information on the Manchester Area Youth Sports programs, or the proposed improvements to Kirk Park discussed herein, can be obtained from Dennis Steele at 734-428-9680 or by e-mail at info@steelegrafixonline.com.
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