Danville Parks and Recreation joins Westmoreland Neighborhood Organization (WNO) in celebrating their landmark achievement of reaching a fundraising goal for their park. The desire for this greenspace to be transformed into a community park was shared between WNO and Danville Parks and Recreation, because this neighborhood lacked quality greenspace. The department is marking WNO's fundraising achievement by offering a guide on their website for other Danville neighborhoods and communities who would like to implement a park.
By reaching their funding goals for the first phase of park development, WNO has become the first resident-led group to advocate for and implement their own neighborhood park. Traditionally, neighborhood parks are designed, funded, and implemented by the City alone; however, with over 25 park properties in its network, Danville Parks and Recreation has limited resources to meet the needs and preferences of all communities.
WNO recognized this limitation, and pursued a park to fit the needs and desires of their close-knit community. Their determination to build a park in the City is not only commendable, but it also paves the way for Danville Parks and Recreation to work with other community groups who organize, advocate, and work towards installing a park in their own neighborhood spaces.
“It has been a pleasure to watch WNO’s success during this process,” said Bill Sgrinia, Danville Parks and Recreation Director. “We hope other neighborhoods become organized in similar efforts to create public greenspaces in their communities.”
Those in other communities seeking the same success that WNO has had are encouraged to follow the guide on Danville Parks and Recreation’s website.
Community members are also encouraged to visit wnopark.com as well as the Westmoreland Park Facebook page to learn more about the project and to donate if possible. Those who would like to receive updates on events and progress can stay in touch by completing a contact form at bit.ly/WNOcontact.
Joshua Hearne is the main contact for WNO, and can be reached at hearne.joshua@gmail.com or (434) 363-3547.