Elliott Park Playground Fund Raising Begins

The Sewanee Civic Association (SCA) announces the beginning of the For the Parks fund raising campaign. Approximately $70,000 needs to be raised for the Elliott Park playground equipment and installation.

Originally designated in 1870, Elliott Park has a history of community support with much of its playground equipment built by the community or purchased with donations. A swing set, chin-up bars, wooden step structure and sand box (since removed) were installed under the leadership of Sandy Baird and Yolande Gottfried in the 1980s. In 1998, community member Dana Lesesne spearheaded the addition of a pirate ship constructed by the Sewanee chapter of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji), with support from various sources including the Kaj Krogstad Memorial Fund.

In 2012, when several wooden play elements were in disrepair, the University removed the ship, cabin, play automobile and picnic table from Elliott Park leaving behind little more than an aging swing set in what was once a vibrant place for children to play.

At its April 15 membership meeting, the SCA approved a design for the next chapter of this community park. The plans for Elliott Park include swing sets, a balance beam, bridge, climbing structures, spinning elements and a musical component. Other criteria met by the approved design include use of natural and local materials. The park will be ADA-compliant and accessible, with access ramps at the adjoining sidewalk and parking lot. The SCA will enter into a memorandum of understanding with the University concerning maintenance, drainage control and parking lot improvements, similar to the agreement used for the Phil White Dog Park.

Sewanee residents David and Robin Hille Michaels have agreed to be the For the Parks stewards and to help lead the fund-raising efforts.

“The For the Parks project will benefit the whole community and our many visitors by reminding us that Sewanee is not only a place where families live, but it is a place where families are valued,” said David. “We hope you will join our community effort to reinvent Elliott Park.”

To make a donation send a check payable to SCA For the Parks, P.O. Box 222, Sewanee, TN 37375. Funds will go through the Sewanee Community Chest, a 501(c) 3 organization. The SCA is the managing organization for the Parks, the Sewanee Classifieds and the Sewanee Community Chest, and the sponsoring organization for Cub Scout Pack 152.