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Volunteer group details Francisco Park work, seeks grants for shelters and ADA access
Summary
Volunteers reported planting native trees and pollinators, building a walking loop and picnic infrastructure, and applying for Part F and T‑Mobile grants to expand facilities and add picnic shelters; the group said it has logged 700 volunteer hours and $21,000 in donations.
Volunteers leading the Francisco Park project told the Stokes County commissioners on Nov. 24 that the park’s basic amenities are in place and that the group is pursuing grants to expand facilities and ADA access.
Presenters said January forest mulching opened trails and sight lines; volunteers and the Piney Grove Middle School shop class built benches and picnic tables; plantings included 60 redbuds, 60 silky dogwoods, 192 milkweed plugs and 670 native warm‑season grass plugs; and the group registered the site as a Monarch Waystation. "We have had over 700 volunteer hours donated to that park so far," a presenter said, and reported roughly $21,000 in cash and in‑kind contributions.
Organizers described completed items (parking surface from recycled concrete, porta‑potty, signage) and plans: apply for a Part F grant (application due May 1, 2026) and a T‑Mobile Hometown Grant (quarterly program) to fund 16×24 picnic shelters. They said a chimney swift tower remains a volunteer priority and that they will coordinate with county staff and partners such as PTRC and NC Wildlife.
Commissioners praised the volunteer effort and encouraged grant applications and continued partnership with the county on permit and ADA access matters. The group asked for staff help on some permitting and noted they will adjust shelter placement to address permitting constraints.
Next steps: The volunteers will finalize Part F drawings with PTRC and submit grant applications in spring 2026; commissioners agreed to continue staff support on permitting and ADA site access.
