Just in time for Christmas….

By John Drake
Danville-Boyle County Parks & Recreation director

The City and County have for the last 10 years invested over six million dollars in the purchase of land and facility development in Millennium Park. Millennium Park has become the signature recreation facility in this community. Those that cried about taxpayer’s money being used for such a project have now seen the opportunities that Millennium Park provides for all demographics in Boyle County.

However, it now looks like the days of government funding for the continued development of the Park are quickly coming to an end. This fiscal year there were no new funds allocated for Millennium Park development from either governmental body. Yes, both are continuing to subsidize the operations of the Park, but the possibility of a master plan completion by the end of this decade is probably not a reality.

The Parks and Recreation Committee, the Parks and Recreation Board, and members of the Parks and Recreation Department are all looking for a few “Santas” in our community to assist in completing projects in the Park over the next 24 months.  This list isn’t long, but the benefits of each project will be a positive addition to Millennium Park and the citizens of Danville and Boyle County.

Millennium Park 2007 Christmas List:

• A hard surface basketball complex (a minimum of six goals and court size to host summer basketball tournaments and leagues).
• Completion of the Softball Complex lighting. Additional parking and pedestrian lighting is necessary to upgrade the facility used primarily for Girls Youth Fast-Pitch Softball.
• Additional landscaping to provide future generations the shade needed for all parks.
• Walking trail additions and renovations. This area is probably the most used facility in the Park for walkers, runners, bikers, blades, and boards.
• Large corporate shelter with access roads and parking near the facility at the north end of the Park.

So, for all you Santas (and maybe even a few helpers) this may be the project for you!  We believe this list is both realistic and do-able. Maybe with some community contributions we will be able to match private funds with grants and possible future local government assistance. We can get this Christmas list started in 2008, then next year we can talk water complexes and a multi-activity sports pavilion