Hedge Park Renovation Committee Goals - Mission A. Project or Program Need 
1. The Cherry Hill Association (CHA) hopes to rejuvenate the Cherry Hill neighborhood by providing a safe and enjoyable environment for families and children. It is the intent of this group to build an area that meets the needs of young and old, the physically challenged and as many other individuals as possible that could possibly benefit from its use. The projected plan includes the establishment of several features within the Bob Hedge Park to attract residents and visitors. At this time, the most pressing need is accessible equipment for children with special needs. Currently there are some pieces of playground equipment in the park that could be adapted to offer entertainment to special needs children. However, if enough funds are raised we can add more up-to-date equipment now and pursuing renovation in later phases as part of its renewal. 
As par of the local economic and community development research conducted, a survey was held this spring to ascertain what vision residents had for the park. This survey asked residents to consider what improvements they would like most to occur. The questions ranged form choice of materials to specific features to neighborhood concerns. Among the responses, households reported interest in better parking, seating in the park, accessible restrooms and working water fountains. Concerns included possible vandalism and the need for improved lighting. Based on this feedback, the opportunities for improvement would be answered by providing a safe and enjoyable environment for the young and old as well as special needs populations. Several implementation strategies have already been employed to address these concerns. First, the CHA has held regular meetings that hosted presentations to research and review equipment proposals. Secondly, we are currently conducting a city-supported survey that will indicate the parking needs of the community. Thirdly, in the redesign of the park the need for adequate seating to accommodate the flow of visitors is being planned. Next, a plan for improved lighting in combination with a unified neighborhood watch is being implemented to deter vandalism by fostering a strengthened sense of community pride. Lastly, plumbing issues continue to develop as more needs are identified through the parks use. 2. The mission statement of the CHA is Cherry Hill neighbors working for a clean, safe and drug-free neighborhood. Naturally, the proposed project will compliment this mission because it is our desire to provide positive alternatives and healthy life choices in the neighborhood for seniors, families, young adults and all types of children. B. Project or Program
Impact 
The current renovation and renewal process for the Bob Hedge Park will be carried out in phases to make sure that completion is in a timely, realistic and affordable manner for all involved. Phase 1 of the project is renovation that begins with removal of dilapidated tennis court, building a parking lot area, building walking path, removal of the existing fencing and general overhaul of the grounds. Phase II, which is the renewal portion of the project hopefully contributed to by the grant received, would include swings, playground units, free-standing playground sculptures, and fencing. Even later, the CHA hopes to finish the project by adding architectural features like sculptures, benches, water features and plantings. Currently a team of volunteers, city officials, parks department leaders and personnel, private businesses, salespeople and the CHA members are working together. Through our combined efforts, Phase I will be funded and carried out this fall and early spring. The local parks & recreation department has been a tremendous support for this effort as they have already committed to the new parking, walking path and removal of old features and debris. Additionally, they will work to maintain the area by mowing, planting, cleaning and providing flower beds. A local architectural firm, the Estopinal Group, has developed plans for park layout and researched alternatives for needs. Also, several sales representatives, including Little Tikes, have worked with group to design and select possible features in the park. 
Phase II will be achieved through grants, solicitations, donations as well as partnering in the community. To complete future phases, the help of groups such as local fire department and street department personnel may be enlisted to save money on installation of equipment. Community work days are being explored as a possible way to boost support and personal investment for the project. Evaluation of the project will occur through use and feedback of residents, as well as other individuals in the Southern Indiana area. This park would not be exclusive to the Cherry Hill neighborhood although some of the features are requests by the community. The concerns of the special needs children and families in the community have remained a priority because so few areas are available to meet their needs. Key events would support the community in forming a bond with this space and its significance would include the 21st Annual Bobs Stick horse Derby, the 21st Annual Bobs Easter Egg Hunt, the 3rd Annual Trunk or Treating, for Halloween, and the 4th Annual 1 K Cherry Hill Run against Drugs. These events have always taken place in this park and everyone involved would like to these efforts continue. At the above mentioned events, participation has often been over 300 participants. This involvement is huge considering the possibility for more involvement should there be park improvements. The overall feeling from those individuals who have lent their effort, time and energy to this project is that all people, regardless of where they may live, deserve a space to play and relax that meets their unique needs. Cherry Hill would like to see the revitalization of a once prominent community park realized as a source of community pride and heritage. C. Organizational Capacity 
The CHA feels strongly that we have the capacity to reach and exceed the proposed projects possibilities. As stated before, the CHA has already been working to complete Phase I of the project and the efforts there will ensure that Phase II will be manageable. The board for CHA is currently comprised of Dale Orem, former Mayor of Jeffersonville, Sandy and Larry Knott, community members; Cathy Hedge Mangels, daughter of Bob Hedge for whom the park is dedicated; Charley Reisert, Realtor; Ron Brogan, Jim Nichols, the Editor of the Evening News and Michele Page, granddaughter of the late Bob Hedge. In conjunction with the board there is a team of city officials such as Keith Fetz, local councilman and Rob Waiz, the mayor, and Rob Poff and Tyrone Wilson with the Jeffersonville Parks & Recreation Department; Steve Norton with Bluegrass Recreational Products; the Estopinal Group Architectural Firm; the Charlestown Gardening Club; the Ingramville Alumni Association; volunteers; private businesses and many other CHA members working together. Installation of new equipment in the Cherry Hill neighborhood would provide much needed support to the young and old, special needs children and families and young adults. Also, renovation and renewal of the Bob Hedge Park will serve to revitalize this very important part of Southern Indiana's history. |