The issue

For the first time in its 135-year history, the City of Jefferson sought to establish a public park within its city limits. As the city continued to grow, the need for a recreational space became increasingly apparent. The goal was to bring together the necessary resources and community support to develop Jefferson’s first city park.

The situation

The city-owned several plots of land, including a fenced-off location maintained by the Public Works Department. This sizable area was situated within a residential zone, making it an ideal location for a public park. After participating in a European project with the non-profit organization Volunteers for Peace the previous year, I recognized the potential for their involvement in the development of the park.

The story

I proposed the creation and construction of a city park to the City Council. Securing grant funds for playground equipment, a small contribution from the municipal budget, donations from local businesses, and community support, we launched the city park build project through Volunteers for Peace.

A local developer offered accommodations for the volunteers, while another business provided a large passenger van for transportation. The local hardware store generously donated lumber, hardware, and paint to build several picnic tables.

The project attracted volunteers from Japan, South Korea, France, Ireland, and the United States, creating a diverse and dynamic team. Local residents contributed fresh garden vegetables for meals and organized a memorable rafting trip down the river for the volunteers.

The result

Upon completion of the two-week project, Jefferson celebrated the opening of its first official city park. The park featured swings, climbing equipment, a slide, and three beautifully constructed and painted picnic tables. The previously unremarkable cinder block pump house was transformed with colorful murals representing global unity and a whimsical tribute to the SpongeBob Squarepants cartoon.

Reasons for success

A variety of factors contributed to the project’s success:

Community and business support: The local community and businesses rallied behind the project, providing resources, funding, and enthusiasm.

Low costs and pooled resources: The project was cost-effective due to donations, grants, and the pooling of resources from various sources.

International volunteers: The involvement of international volunteers infused the project with energy and encouraged local residents to learn about different cultures and forge lasting connections.

Creativity and coordination: The project required the vision to design and effectively coordinate all the elements, which was made possible through my prior experience with Volunteers for Peace.

In summary, the successful development of Jefferson’s first city park was a testament to community support, resourcefulness, and the power of international collaboration. The park now stands as a vibrant symbol of unity, cultural exchange, and the lasting impact of collective effort.