By BARBARA BARBIERI
Ever wonder where the money raised by the Friends of Ouabache goes?
Over the years, the Friends of Ouabache State Park have championed a variety of projects, from raising the $75,000 needed to restore the fire tower to $100 for handheld radios. No project is too great or too small.
Some of the projects can be easily seen, while other funds are spent on small things that help make an event better.
To date, the Friends have spent close to $200,000, with all purchases assisting the park in offering top-notch service to the public and the upgrading of the group’s main fundraiser, the Wonderland of Lights.
The group’s contributions include:
2015: CCC Memorial Statue, $25,000, purchase and installation
2017: Fire Tower restoration, $75,000; Tower Plaza landscaping, $8,000; portable bleachers for the softball diamond, $2,500
2018: CCC Statue benches, $1,500; bush hog, $1,925
2019: Portable screen for Friends programs, $400; portable speaker system, $400; Fire Tower Brick Memorial Walkway, $800; Fire Tower benches, $1,500; frontloader for Bobcat, $1,900; Wonderland of lights, timers and displays, $4,500
2020: 40 trees and shrubs, $1,300; 2 Martin bird houses and poles, $1,200; Wonderland
Tower Show controller, $850; Wonderland of Lights, timers and display, $3,300
2021: Woodchipper, $2,500; TISMI tools for clearing invasive plants, $1,700; signs for the CCC Challenge Course, $400; water tank and pressure washer, $4,800; CCC Challenge Course stickers, $200; handheld radios, $100; Wonderland of Lights, timers and display, $3,500
2022: Chainsaw, $500; storage building/shed, $16,100; CCC Challenge course stickers, $450; Tree Trail signage, $290; TISMI signage, $215; TISMI, removal of wisteria on 2 acres, $9,000; Wonderland of Lights, display refurbishing, $4,630
2023: Two kayaks, $2,500, and front gate video monitor, $5,000
At the monthly Friends meeting, the needs of the park are monitored and ways to secure those items are discussed. Approval of the Board of Directors is needed for funds to be dispersed.
Friends of Ouabache State Park meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Lodge by the Lake. All are welcome to attend meetings. Become a member of the Friends and be a part of this active and financial supporter of Ouabache State Park.
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