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Onalaska seeks final donors to meet All Abilities Playground installation target
Summary
A donor offered a dollar-for-dollar match up to $100,000 for the All Abilities Playground in Community Park; staff reported about $15,000 raised and said roughly $200,000 remained to pay for installation and an accessible pour-in-place surface ahead of a planned Sept. 15 installation.
City staff told the Onalaska Common Council on Aug. 12 that a donor has offered a matching program of up to $100,000 for the All Abilities Playground in Community Park, with the match active through Sept. 1.
Fundraising status: Staff reported collecting about $15,000 in donations to date and about 30 donors. "Since the match was offered, we've taken in about $15,000 in donations. We're at about 30," a staff member said. Council and staff said roughly $200,000 remains to fund installation and the pour-in-place accessible surface that makes the playground usable by wheelchairs and young children.
Timing and outreach: Staff indicated an installation target of Sept. 15 and said they had sent letters to previous donors, planned social-media outreach and asked civic groups such as the Lions Club to assist with outreach. Amanda and Rick encouraged councilors and the public to refer potential donors.
Why it matters: The project will add an accessible playground amenity to Community Park; staff characterized the project as largely funded but needing last-dollar support to complete the installation and the safety surface.
Next steps: Staff will continue outreach, pursue pending grant applications and report back to council on fundraising progress and any extension decisions by the matching donor.
