Inaugural sledding event planned for Sunday
A new organization to support Greene County’s parks, prairies, bike trails and public lands for all citizens to enjoy is forming. Anyone with an interest in maintaining or improving amenities in our county parks is welcome to join.
The new group, Friends of Greene County IA Parks, is planning a special event this Sunday, Feb. 4, at Seven Hills Park near Jefferson. A new rope in the sledding tow will be “broken in” as people of all ages enjoy sledding, cookies and cocoa, and a warming fire in the shelter house.
Parking and heated, indoor restrooms are available. If there is insufficient snow for sledding, event will be held Feb. 25.
“The County Conservation staff does a great job taking care of our parks with the resources they have available to them,” said Alexis Stevens, board chair. “Although the county parks are publicly funded, major improvements to some parks cannot happen without an infusion of private fundraising, donations and grant funding.”
After a public meeting last summer about the future of Squirrel Hollow, the idea of a nonprofit organization that would fund projects through grants and private donations and even provide volunteer trail maintenance seemed like a complimentary fit.
An informal group has formed and met several times in recent months. A Friends of Greene County IA Parks application for an IRS 501(c)3 designation is already in the works.
The group’s proposed mission statement is: “Friends of Greene County, IA Parks’ purpose is to help make improvements to Greene County parks and to encourage the use of all outdoor public spaces.”
The group’s current members are from across the county, and hope others who want to be involved will join our efforts. The leaders (executive committee members) are Alexis Stevens, chair; Bob Rye, vice chair; Mary Weaver and Cheryl Robson, co-secretaries; Dale Hanaman, treasurer; and Tanner Scheuermann, conservation director.
Other board members include Peg Gannon, James Ure, Nancy Hanaman, Margaret Hamilton, Abby Hamilton and Chris Henning. About 20 others who attended the summer meeting have expressed interest in volunteering, project ideas and even donating.
Stevens said, “Everyone knows about Spring Lake, but did you know there are several other parks in the county for residents to enjoy? Squirrel Hollow, second oldest county park in the state, on the southeast side of the county, boasts a beautiful shelter, primitive and electrified campgrounds, river access and a beautiful spring wildflower display. Hyde Park on the western side of the county is a great quiet camping get away. And Seven Hills is especially fun in the winter as the county conservation staff maintain a sledding hill that includes a rope tow.”
She went on to say, “We aren’t trying to turn these smaller parks into another Spring Lake. We know how much people enjoy the quieter campgrounds. But we want to spruce things up a bit. Improving bathrooms, adding playground equipment, upgrading camping spots, and revamping trails are just a few things we have in mind.”
The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 1 pm at the Greene County Extension office, 104 W Washington Street, Jefferson. The next meeting will be Feb. 7.z
