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Fountain City Forward leader reports grant denial, outlines July block party and Aug. 18 park workshop
Summary
A presenter identified as Acacia Saint John told the Fountain City Town Board the community's grant application was denied but outlined plans for a third annual block party on July 31 and a public workshop Aug. 18 to pursue a state-matched park-funding campaign that could yield up to $50,000.
Acacia Saint John, who introduced herself to the board, told members the town's recent grant application was not awarded and that organizers will pursue alternative funding routes.
"We did not get it," Acacia said, then described plans to continue local outreach: the third annual block party is set for Friday, July 31, with a touch-a-truck, a bounce house, food vendors and an outdoor movie expected to start about 6 p.m.
The board and presenters said Fountain City may be eligible for a state matching program for park improvements that requires a community fundraising campaign. Chair (S1) said the state will match local fundraising up to $50,000, and Fort Wayne County would try to cover any remaining gap.
Officials scheduled a public meeting and workshop for Aug. 18 at 7:00 p.m. so residents can ask questions and learn about the fundraising process. The board plans to revisit the proposal in September because the program must be finalized no later than October.
Board members cited nearby examples: Municipalities that have used the program reportedly raised six-figure totals (one cited example was $87,000 raised by Milton), underscoring both the community effort required and the potential scale of improvements.
No formal budget vote on the park program occurred at the meeting; Acacia will attend the Aug. 18 workshop and the board will decide later whether to move forward with a campaign.
