Friends of Washington Park Continue Efforts to Restore Booker T. Washington Park Fundraising Goal Is $32,000   Clifton Forge, VA (Nov. 7, 2020) - In August of 2020, a group of committed citizens, the “Friends of Washington Park” Committee, kicked off a planning and fundraising effort to enhance and restore Booker T. Washington Park, located on the main entrance corridor to Clifton Forge. The kick-off is a Phase 2 effort. Repairs and a massive clean-up occurred in 2018 and 2019 by Phase1 grass-roots fundraising and Public Works initiative with the Town working closely in conjunction with community residents. While working on the Phase1 initial clean-up, several needs were identified to make the Park more versatile and relevant to residents’ wishes. Those needs include a 30’ x 40’ picnic pavilion, additional picnic tables and grills; improved signage, landscaping, and a 40’ x 40’ concrete slab. The goals of the Friends of Washington Park are to restore and enhance the Park for community use by repairing the equipment that is currently being used in the Park, and to work collaboratively with the Town of Clifton Forge. A fundraising goal of $32,000 has been set in order to restore existing Park equipment and to build what is required. Since the fundraising began in August, $15,400 has been raised. Building material cost estimates for the picnic shelter have been obtained and will be purchased soon. The committee is in discussions now with contractors, and JJ’s Contracting has agreed to donate time and equipment for extensive site preparation work. Timelines have been established regarding construction, and a goal of spring 2021 has been set for completion of the picnic pavilion. Ricky Bourne, Public Works Director has committed to having the restrooms renovated before the end of the year. This will include a handicapped restroom, new faucets, toilets and lighting. Work on Booker T. Washington Park began 86 years ago with the desire to create a playground for neighborhood children. The playground and athletic field was officially named Booker T. Washington Park in 1946. From the May 1936 Clifton Forge City Council minutes, “BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Clifton Forge, VA. that the City of Clifton Forge furnish to the local administrator of the C. W. A. the use of trucks for 100 hours to the amount of $70. In connection with the construction of Playground and Athletic Field for colored children of the City of Clifton Forge, VA.” On July 8, 1946, a letter from C. A. Smith and E. A. Mansfield recommending that the name of the playground be named “Booker T. Washington Park” was read to council. Booker T. Washington, American educator, author, and orator, was born in Westlake Corner, VA and was advisor to multiple United States presidents. The recommendation was approved by council. On February 13, 1950, City Council minutes reveal that, “It was moved that the City Manager and the City Attorney be authorized to purchase from the Estate of Nora Van Buren, certain land or lots owned by said estate to be used for as a part of the Booker T. Washington park”. With that purchase, the Park was enlarged. The enhancement and restoration of Washington Park will take the community’s commitment, but as Booker T. Washington said, “Nothing ever comes to one that is worth having, except as a result of hard work”. To donate to the “Friends of Washington Park” project, please send a check to Washington Park Project, Town of Clifton Forge, 547 Main Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 or visit Town Hall and use the drop box located in front of the building. Donations will be separated from the Town’s General Fund for the purpose of park renovations. For more information on donating, please contact the Clifton Forge Town Manager’s office at 540 863 2500.

* * * * *