Park Update

The park will be happening this spring!  So far we have raised $17,429!  Congratulations to everyone.  We have worked really hard to get here. 

The next step is to apply to the City of Duluth for what we hope will be a $15,000 matching grant.  In order to be considered for the matching money from the City, we need to have the park design picked out and paperwork completed by March 1.  This will require quite a bit of work and volunteer time during the month of February.  This matching grant is key to being able to build the park this spring, so we want to put a lot of time and thought into the application. 

• All donations should be in by February 5.  This will give us enough time to get quotes from sales representatives, decide on a design, etc.  If you have not donated yet, or could donate more, we encourage you to do so.  Every penny counts!  Your tax-deductible donations can be sent to The Morley Heights Neighborhood Association, 18 Morley Parkway, Duluth, MN 55803.  Checks can be made out to Montessori School of Duluth/Morley Heights Park.  Remember, if you donate $1000 or more, your name will be on a plaque.
• If you would like to be part of the team that is deciding on park design, please send an email to morleyheights@yahoo.com.  The commitment will be several meetings over the next month, possible phone conversations with sales representatives, research on different park designs, working on the historical marker, asking local businesses for donations (building materials, etc).  The first meeting is this Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00 pm at 2153 Sussex Ave.  Kids are welcome.
  
• If you don't want to be on the team, but have ideas, please also email morleyheights@yahoo.com.  We welcome and appreciate all input!  For example, what type of playground equipment is important to you (climbing wall, swings, toddler area, etc)?  We will work to best meet the desires of the neighborhood.
• We will also be looking for volunteers to help put the equipment up this spring.  More details on that will be coming after we decide on a design.

This is all very exciting!  Please encourage your neighbors to send in a donation in the next couple of weeks.  Reply to this email with any questions/comments/concerns.  Feel free to give me a call at home (Keely - 728.4292). 

Also, please consider helping over the next month.  The link to the City's playground matching grant application is here: http://www.duluthmn.gov/parks/index.cfm (click on the link Playground Equipment Grants at the top of the page).  If we are chosen for this grant it will definitely expand the possibilities at the park.

Thanks for all your work!