Help Save Piñon Valley Park

PIÑON VALLEY PARK NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Dear Neighbors:
You are probably aware of the many budget cuts recently made by the City of Colorado Springs. As a result, the amount of resources the Parks and Recreation department is able to devote to small neighborhood parks has been drastically reduced. In an effort to minimize the effects to Piñon Valley Park, the Piñon Valley Neighborhood Association (PVNA) is spearheading a cooperative effort to raise money to fund the shortfall for 2010 and organize volunteer efforts.

How does this affect you and our community?

A well-maintained park and playground provides a centerpoint for our families. It’s an asset we can’t afford to lose. Reduced services in the park will impact our families, children, and organized sports associations. A well maintained community park will also protect the long-term value of our property.

Limited services:

Kurt Schroeder of Parks and Recreation has told PVNA representatives that the City will fund about 50% of the water needs, mow and trim every other week and maintain most of the park equipment including the playground, lighting, fence repair. However, there is still an $18,883 shortfall. Without this money, the park can’t be fertilized, sprayed for weeds, or seeded. It also won’t cover unexpected expenses caused by vandalism. See the detailed information on park maintenance costs and the shortfall.

How can you help?

A $40.00 contribution from each neighborhood resident will help to keep the park in good condition for our families to enjoy this spring, summer and fall and help with future expenses. However, no contribution is too small and all are appreciated. Your donation will go specifically to Piñon Valley Park and is tax deductible. Please make your check payable to the PVNA and list Piñon Valley Park Fund on the Memo line. If you prefer making a cash donation, please deliver to Tom Hutton at 5620 Bourke Drive.

If you are unable to contribute financially, we ask that you consider helping with the park’s upkeep by volunteering for trash duty or other labor in-kind work. Some of our neighbors are already volunteering. After trash cans were removed from the park in early March, Green Valley Ranch HOA members generously offered to collect trash and cans were returned. This is a great help, but only one portion of the budget shortfall.

Need more information?

Have additional questions? Go to our Piñon Valley Park page to obtain contact information for the representatives that are part of the Piñon Valley Park committee, become a volunteer to help with the park committee, or provide other services to help our park.

Our park needs your help. Many of us moved here because of the park. It’s up to us to maintain it and the quality of life we enjoy. We encourage you to contribute what you can. All contributions are an investment in our neighborhood’s future.

Respectfully,

Jeanette Givens

President, PVNA