The Hemingford Community Foundation is thrilled to announce that the community challenge to match $25,000 for the new playground has been surpassed! This incredible achievement is thanks to the generosity of the Box Butte Health Foundation, which granted $10,000, and David Hunter of Hemingford, who also contributed $10,000 to the campaign.
These significant donations, along with the $5,000 challenge from Hemingford Telephone Company, which was also matched, and numerous individual community contributions, have exceeded our initial goal. After careful consideration, the Foundation has decided to forgo pursuing the Nebraska Game & Parks grant due in September as it could delay the installation of new equipment by up to three years and there has been a recent development of a quality equipment vendor with pricing at 50% off.
The Foundation has begun receiving input from several kids in the community who are serving on the Kid’s Playground Advisory Committee. These young voices had the opportunity to brainstorm exciting ideas for the new playground, ensuring it caters to a variety of ages and is accessible to all.
“Turf would make it easier for me to get around to the equipment with my walker because the current surface makes it very difficult, and an adaptive swing would be nice too,” said Jillian Henderson.
Her mom, Tiffany, added that the swing would provide better trunk stability as Jillian gets older and benefit other kids with similar needs.
Tripp Moseman expressed his desire for a rock wall and climbing features, while many others shared their excitement about having a playground spinner. The kids helped narrow down sets from various options and discussed additional features such as shade.
To continue supporting this effort, the Foundation is planning a beef raffle during the fair, so be sure to look out for your chance to win quality local beef! We’ll keep fundraising to meet the needs identified by our kids and community.
If you’ve visited the park recently, you know that the equipment, last updated in 1997, is in dire need of an upgrade. Let’s come together to enhance our community’s recreational spaces! You can submit your tax-deductible donation here: Hemingford Community Foundation or by mailing a check to: Hemingford Community Foundation, P.O. Box 444, Hemingford, NE 69348.