Neponset plans to raise $50,000 for improvements to Scott Park

NEPONSET — The village of Neponset is aiming to raise $50,000 to match a 50/50 state grant that would cover the cost of a pavilion and other improvements in Scott Park.

The pavilion, complete with picnic tables, would be constructed behind the village’s community building, which is rented out on a regular basis for reunions, showers, funeral dinners, church services, community suppers and other events throughout the year.

Handicapped accessible restrooms would also be built in the park, as would a veterans war memorial honoring all branches of the military.

Mandy Donovan, a member of the village’s park grant committee, said more improvement ideas have been discussed to enhance the area, including an area for bags, horseshoes, disc golf or the possibility of putting in a native perennial or butterfly garden.

“We welcome and appreciate all ideas from the community,” she said.

The village is also working on a program where people interested in having a brick engraved with a name can make a donation to do so. The bricks would be laid within the pavilion area.

The park committee recently launched a GoFundMe page where people can search Neponset Park Improvement Program to donate to the cause.

A separate GoFundMe page was launched to help raise money for the veterans war memorial. It can be found by searching, Neponset Park Veterans War Memorial.

“While this is a big goal for a community the size of Neponset, we believe it is necessary to keep moving the community forward,” Donovan said. “An effort to upgrade the community building has been ongoing the past several years, and it continues to be a busy place for community gatherings. … Having the pavilion and other park improvements nearby would be an added benefit for the community and surrounding area.”

These efforts are part of an ongoing plan to improve the quality of life in Neponset and attract more people to the area.

“We’ve seen an economic downturn in the state and surrounding area, and the current and past village board has tried to build the area back up. We still have businesses here, and I think it’s still an area people like to come back to, and the pavilion would be something that anybody could use for decades to come. As you see buildings coming down around you, it’s nice to seeing something being built back up,” Donovan said.

She added the community should look out for fundraiser events for this cause to be announced in the future. The park grant committee also sent out 700 letters to Neponset High School alumni asking for donations. A general mailer asking for a donation was also sent to village residents who might not have graduated from Neponset.

Donations can be sent via a check to P.O. Box 309, Neponset, IL 61345.

The committee is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations are tax deductible.