Parks group seeks donations
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

Garrison Park is about to get some much needed help.

The organization Friends of Williamsville Parks is in the process of being formed to raise money for a new jungle-gym toy in Garrison Park.

The toy, which is more than 20-years-old, suffered significant damage in the October Storm, and now a group of concerned citizens, village officials and members of the Village Parks Committee are committed to finding funding for the toy.

"The Big Toy is our number one project," said Village Trustee Brian Geary, who has been named as honorary vice chairman of the group. "But if it works out, then the sky can be the limit for other projects."

Volunteer contributions are currently being sought for the jungle-gym toy. A large toy with a variety of features that would attract children of many different ages is the objective. The cost would be approximately $30,000.

The organization has been formed because of the lack of funds in the village's parks budget, according to Geary.

"The money in the parks budget is the bare minimum for maintaining the parks, let alone enhance them," he said. "Volunteers do 30 to 40 percent of the work on the parks."

Geary said that individual volunteers, as well as groups such as the Boy Scouts of America, have contributed time and efforts to paint the parks pavilions and rebuild benches. But more is needed.

"It really depends on the residents of the village," he said when asked when the big toy project would be completed. "We need a lot of help but I've been very impressed, especially with the holiday, that a lot of people are excited about it."

Future uses for the organization could include anything from resurfacing tennis courts to addressing the staircases into Glen Park.

The Friends of Williamsville Parks are still accepting donations from within the community. All sponsors will be recognized at the grand opening for the toy.

All donations should be made payable to Friends of Williamsville Parks, with Garrison Park Project as the memo. Donations can be mailed to Friends of Williamsville Parks, c/o Village Hall, 5565 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221.

For more information on the organization or donating, call Friends of Williamsville Chairman Tracy Galuski at 632-6912.