KaBoom Poster

More Design Day pictures

DRAFT
3/19/09

Expect changes

KaBOOM! PLANNING COMMITTEES:
CO-CHAIRS
PROJECT COMMITTEE
Irma Golliday (618) 874-3600-Of, cell 960-1131
Errol Allen (618) 977-8653
RECRUITMENT AND REGISTRATION
Billlie Turner (618) 397-4973-Of, cell 979-2353
Carolyn Edley (618) 567-9670-cell
YOUTH INVOLVEMENT
Tracy (Tra-Lay) Runnels (618) 979-1920-cell
Avis (Lynn) Thomas
RESOURCES AND FUNDRAISING
Gloria Wicks (618) 806-5832-cell
CONSTRUCTION
Eddie Golliday (618) 593-8630-cell
Princeton Clark (618) 830-0853-cell
FOOD TEAM
Carlos Wicks (618) 806-5831 - cell
Irma Golliday (618) 874-3600-Of, cell 960-1131
LOGISTICS
David Manning (618) 698-4887 – cell
Eddie Golliday (618) 593-8630 – cell
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Irma Golliday (618) 874-3600-Of, cell 960-1131
Bruce Wicks (217) 333-6160-Of, cell (217) 493-6012 bew@illinois.edu
SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE
Chief Marvin Strode (618) 960-1953 - cell
Errol Allen (618) 977-8653 - cell

KaBoom! Design Day

We had a great time at the KaBoom Design Day. Getting the kids from the Alta Sita school involved was really special. As you can see that drew a lot of things that they wanted for their new playground.

Fundraiser for Virginia Park

The Park District's new foundation held its first fundraiser in support of Virginia Park at Applebees and it was a big success. Picture 1 is Irma Golliday Park District Executive Director and two hungry supporters, #2 are Park District employees and Board members and #3 are the many volunteers who helped out. Thanks ya'all.

FF forVP Meeting Picture

U of I L.A. Students Meeting with FFfor VP

Landscape Architecture students from the U of I under the direction of Dr. Laura Lawson met with Irma Golliday, Executive Director of the ESL Park District (2/27) and the following day with members of FFforVP and concerned residents to help in developing their plans for Virginia Park. Once again our Saturday meeting was held in Straightway Baptist Church and we sincerely thank Rev. Tracy for making that possible.

Va. Park Survey Results

Results of Questionnaire/ Summary

The landscape architecture students from the University of Illinois are working to develop a design for Virginia Park in the East St. Louis that would respond to residents need. A preliminary part of their research was to survey neighborhood residents to get ideas that would help to develop designs that most fit their needs and desires. A brief summary of the results follow.

· A majority of respondents visit Virginia Park either weekly or occasionally, but they do not visit the park every day. They use the park for recreation purposes and those with kids take their children to play on the playground equipment. Some residents also like to use the park for a cookout or other family parties and special events.

· Desired elements envisioned by residents for the future of Virginia Park are as follows: playground equipment for youth, fun festivals and other events, sports, community gardening, walking paths for seniors, cooking equipment/bathrooms with clean running water, picnic tables, more family activities and increased security.

· Many residents do not use Virginia Park because they do not think there are many things to do: they see no walking or exercise trails and expect major updating of equipment. On the one hand residents raise issues of safety and indicate possible presence of drug dealers or even unattractive location of Virginia Park as its main disadvantages. On the other hand, location and short distance to the park became it’s the most important positive characteristics.