Foundation donates funds to Splash Pad
Published 7:00 am Friday, April 10, 2015
Kelli Beech, second from left, accepts a grant from Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation CEO Sid Whitley for a splash pad in Picayune’s Friendship Park, a project of the Pearl River County Partners in Leadership and the city. With them are, seated from left, Rod Lincoln, co-founder of the leadership program; and Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero; standing, Leadership members Chad Dorn and Regina Pearson, Foundation president Clyde Dease, Picayune city manager Jim Luke and Leadership member Daryl Smith.
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The children of Picayune are one step closer to enjoying the cooling benefits of a splash pad at Friendship Park.
Wednesday, the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation granted $50,000 to Pearl River County Partners in Leadership for the project.
“The splash pad is a community project our group took on this year,” Project Chair for the Pearl River County Partners in Leadership Kelli Beech said. “Each year, we form groups and choose a community project to support.”
Beech’s group includes Chad Dorn, Regina Pearson and Daryl Smith.
The total cost of construction is about $77,280, Beech said, so the group needs to raise about $27,280 more in order to be able to begin construction.
On Valentine’s Day, the group hosted a can shake on Hwy. 11 and raised about $1,500, Beech said. During the spring Street Festival, the group sold about 22 personalized tiles at $25 apiece, which will be displayed at the splash pad. According to a Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation press release, the city of Picayune will provide property for the splash pad at Friendship Park and will assume responsibility for its maintenance.
“This grant will aid the Pearl River County Partners in Leadership and the city of Picayune to implement a splash pad facility to let the people of this area enjoy being in a safe, healthy water activity; even for very young children,” Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation Sid Whitley said in the release. “It will be primarily used in warm or hot seasons. The Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation is happy to assist in this implementation.”
Beech said the group is planning another can shake in May. They are also hoping to work with local schools to host a “Splash for Cash,” penny fundraiser. The class who collects the most pennies will win a fun party, she said.
The group already has a company designed to install the splash pad, they just need to raise the remaining funds, Beech said.
“The purpose of the splash pad is the bring people to our area, increase revenues for local businesses and provide family centered entertainment,” Beech said.
Anyone interested in donating to the project or purchasing a tile may contact Beech at 601-337-0257 or kacbeech@yahoo.com.
