Thanks to the initial commitment from the New London Jaycees, and to donations by the New London Lions and a New London community member, the New London Jaycees’ Hatten Park Playground Addition Project fundraising is well underway — and the project is moving from an idea to a reality.

Of the $42,858 needed to make the playground addition a reality, $38,500 has been raised through direct donations to the project. In addition to the Jaycees original $15,000 commitment, the project has received a $3,500 donation from the New London Lions, a $3,000 donation from the Shamrock Club of New Dublin and a $20,000 donation from a community member.

To help raise the remaining amount needed, all proceeds from the Jaycees upcoming Winterfest III will go directly toward the park project.

The New London Jaycees 3rd Annual Winterfest will be Friday, Jan. 24 from 8 p.m. until midnight at Crystal Falls Banquet Hall. The event will feature music by The Presidents as well as a 50/50 raffle. Admission is $5.

In August 2013, the Jaycees announced the beginning of a new partnership with the New London Parks and Recreation Department to add new equipment to the existing playground equipment at Hatten Park. The new equipment will be geared for children ages 5-12 and will improve the ADA accessibility of the current playground.

Initial interest for the project was a result of the Parks Department’s 5-year comprehensive outdoor plan. A community survey conducted in the spring of 2013 gave the Jaycees final direction that park improvement was a high priority.

The initial total projected cost for the project was $35,861.80, but due to taking advantage of year-end discounts, the city was able to order the playground equipment during December 2013 at a reduced cost. The Jaycees were able to reevaluate the costs involved and change the base of the playground from wood chips to poured rubber. Poured rubber will be easier to maintain, will last longer, and will be easier on the knees of children who use the playground.

Volunteers will be needed over a two-day period in August for site preparation and equipment installation.

Contributions will be recognized both at the park on a recognition sign and at the playground’s grand opening celebration. If you are interested in donating funds, concrete, wood chips, asphalt, or time, or if you are interested in helping in any other way, contact the Jaycees. You can email Tammy McCartney at [email protected] or contact the New London Jaycees on their website www.newlondonjaycees.org or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nljaycees.