Residents Prepare to Celebrate Exeter Park's 10-Year Anniversary
Meet families and friends down by the twists and turns of the Sugar River
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Exeter residents are planning to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Exeter Park and the 5th Annual River Rat Reunion from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., on Sunday, September 10, at Exeter Park.
Activities include music by Summer Haze from Noon to 3:00 p.m., duck races with duck drops at 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., a kids fishing contest, disc throwing contest, a bounce house, 50/50 Raffle and Prize Raffle.
Hot dogs, brats, and beverages will be provided. Everyone is invited to bring a dish to pass as part of the potluck.
“The idea to create a park was a goal of the township Smart Growth Plan passed in 2000,” said Ted Fahey. “Funding for land acquisition was partially from a fee charged to new residual lots created and the difference was borrowed.”
In 2007, the township decided to purchase 11 acres formerly owned by a river tubing business.
“The site was attractive for a park setting because it had a quarter mile of river frontage,” explained Fahey. “A roadway and parking lot was installed using donations from a local contractor. Town Patrolman Alton Sherman and others played a major role of clearing the area.”
One of the first goals was to build a shelter.
“Donations from six area families funded the shelter construction project,” added Fahey. “From that point forward all park improvements have been funded using generous donations. This includes picnic tables, trees and landscaping, playground equipment, grills, basketball court, disk golf and a flag pole.”
The Exeter Park Committee oversees the continued development with several main goals in mind: To keep it as a family oriented setting, to provide activities for all ages and to seek donations as the primary source of funding improvements in the future.
The committee members are grateful for the generous donations, fundraising efforts, volunteerism, and the many hours of sweat equity.
“During the celebration, we will be dedicating a new flag and flag pole,” added Mark Gundlach, Chair of the Exeter Park Committee. “With your help, we will continue to make Exeter Park a safe and beautiful family venue, adding new and exciting features to the park.”
For information or to donate food, prizes, or funds for future park improvements, please contact Mark Gundlach at (608) 577-3548 or Ted Fahey (608) 576-5133.
Come and enjoy Exeter Park and all that it has to offer on September 10!
