Foundation Champions New Facilities at Joshua’s Park

Amherst, NH—Residents of Amherst have once again joined in a fundraising drive to improve the town’s parkland facilities. On the drawing board are welcome plans to build three new shade structures, with seating and plantings, at Joshua’s Park, in the center of Amherst. 

Led by longtime resident Sheila Steele, the campaign aims to raise $20,000. The funds will pay for two shade structures by the park’s playground, each outfitted with fabric canopies and picnic tables. They will also pay for a wooden pergola to shade granite benches on the park’s brick patio, as well as five to seven sizable new shade trees.

The campaign committee is working hand in hand with the Amherst Community Foundation  on this project. The committee will provide the boots on the ground to help ensure the project is successful while the Foundation will play the role of fiduciary. As a tax-exempt organization, the ACF can help facilitate corporate matching, as well as make it easy for individuals donating to the project to maximize the tax benefit of their generosity.

All of this is happening with the cooperation of the Amherst Land Trust, the park founder, and the Amherst Recreation Department. The Recreation Department will install the shade structures and build the pergola and picnic tables at no cost to the campaign. 

“As parents and grandparents know,” says Steele, “the park needs some shade from the hot summer sun. We know that the people of Amherst will step up to give everyone cool rest spots—not to mention fun gathering places to socialize.”

Foundation president Travis Warren adds, “We’re delighted to pitch in again and make this a reality. We played a small role initially in Joshua’s park and are pleased to see development at this site continue. ”

Donations to the campaign can be made here or by check, payable to the Amherst Community Foundation. Mail checks to The Going Undercover Campaign at Joshua’s Park, Amherst Community Foundation, P.O. Box 256, Amherst, NH. Any questions or concerns about contributing can be sent to info@amherstfoundation.org.