South Hull Neighborhood Park

FAQ’s

1. Why a Park?

· The South Hull District has no public green space.

· No dedicated space for children’s play

· No dedicated space for family gatherings

· No dedicated space where community groups can meet or for community meetings such as picnics and yard sales.

· Parks add positively to home values.

· Studies show green space lowers blood pressure and reduces violence.

· A majority of residents responding to a survey expressed support for the Park.

· To provide common ground for developing strong relationships across the district.

2. How did the Park come about?

· A fire in January of 2024 destroyed the Dennard family home at 3301 Wilmington Road. They have since decided to place the lot in permanent trust for the community of South Hull for use as a park.

· SHDA was successful in securing $5000 in start-up funds for site development and selected equipment.

3. When will the park be open to South Hull Residents?

The hope is the Park will be ready for use in summer. Watch for the opening date and the date of the formal dedication Park dedication on the website. www.southhulldistrictassociation.com/Park .

4. Who will manage the Park?

A non-profit ‘Friends of South Hull (FSH)’ will manage the Trust and in close cooperation with the South Hull District Association and resident Volunteers. The 5013c is composed of a community board and a non-voting advisory board of residents and non-residents who generate donations and visibility for the project. The quarterly meetings will be open to all residents. Positions are open on the advisory board.

5. Does the Park require a zoning variance?

No. A park is a protected class.

6. What is the Non-profit FSH responsible for:

a. Fund-raising

b. Scheduling Park events

c. Park maintenance

d. Developing a volunteer network to support the Park

e. Informing residents of Park events/fundraising efforts

f. Managing in a transparent manner through website, informing donors of where and when and how we used their donations.

g. Filing annual 990 forms for accountability.

h. Recognition of volunteers

i. Maintaining liability insurance for the Park.

7. What is the annual budget for the park and where will the money come from?

The Park will need about $3500 annually, including lawn, trees, and plant care, liability insurance, and access to city water and garbage services.

a. In the coming months we will develop a volunteer network, identifying residents who can help with maintaining the grass and gardens.

b. FHS will also:

1. Seek donations on an ongoing basis especially for ‘wish list’ items.

2. Boost visibility of the Park among potential donors.

3. Submit at least one grant annually to support programs and/or operations.

4. Host an Annual Fundraiser for operations money.

8. What activities will the Park support?

Most who responded to the survey were interested in a multi-generational park and with attention to maintaining green space… e.g., a pollinator garden. In response to this the park will have:

A. An area for ‘grass games’ soccer, pickleball, yoga, and other sports for families and individuals.

B. A children’s area with swings, table and chairs for activities, a children’s garden and play area with parent bench. A wish-list item is a splash fountain for sizzling summer days. The site of at least one scheduled activity a month for children up to age 11 and their families.

C. A Family picnic area with tables.

D. A drinking fountain for people and pets.

E. Gardens, including pollinator garden, with benches where individuals can relax, meditate, read. With at least one table for playing chess and board games or doing crafts.

F. A big wish list item is a gazebo for meetings, concerts, or educational events. FSH will be asking our city council member for assistance with this in coming weeks. (See current wish list attached)

G. A ‘horse basketball’ court is on the wish list. BUT two people have expressed concerns about this, so we will proceed when we can seek more advice from other community members in hope of addressing these concerns.

H. A sign cabinet for posting activities, park rules, and community events.

I. ADA Approved entrance ramp.

What About Park Security?

o Volunteers will do daily checks or be on hand for sponsored events.

o Regular maintenance of grounds

o Scheduling of frequent activities so Park does not appear abandoned.

o Request submitted to City Police to install a security camera for the area (no response yet). If they do not, FSH will include security monitoring as part of the annual operating costs.

o In the future add additional fencing if necessary, so Park closes at night.

o Well-communicated and enforced rules of conduct and maintaining visibility with police.

What About Parking?

The Park is meant to be mostly a ‘walk-to’ park for South Hull residents.

Street parking will remain limited.

Encourage carpooling.

Can Residents from other Districts use our Park?

· The priority is to sustain the Park for South Hull Residents

· Guests invited by residents of South Hull will always be welcome.

· Others who wish to use the park for their events would pay a fee to be determined.

Where Can I get more Information or learn about upcoming events in the Park?

· After April 15 at www.southhulldistrictassociation.com/PARK

o You can also submit ideas, suggestions, or concerns.

o You can schedule a family or community event online. Space is a bit limited so reservations for events involving more than 3 or 4 people.

o Share photos.

o Announce a family reunion or community event.

What Can I Do to Help?

· Participate in community workdays at the Park. The first one is the last weekend in April. Rain date the following weekend.

· Volunteer to serve on the advisory board.

· Recruit a volunteer for the next workday.

· Volunteer to host a Children’s or other event at the Park.

· Consider contributing to the purchase of a wish list item.

· Volunteer to mow the lawn or tend a flower bed.

· Volunteer to do a morning or evening check of Park activity.

· Volunteer to contribute to the Park web page.

· Share your ideas and your concerns.

· Serve on Annual Fundraiser Committee

South Hull Neighborhood Park

WISH LIST

The South Hull District Association got the ball rolling on the Park by securing $5000 in funding from Montgomery Neighborhood Services. The Grant provides funds for

· Site development

o Fence repair

o Grass seeding

o Water faucet installation

o Garden bed prep.

o Plants and shrubs

o Entrance walkway

· Equipment

o Two picnic tables with attached chairs ADA approved.

o One six-long bench

o An ADA approved entrance Ramp.

A sturdy swing set is already on site.

On current WISH LIST for Fundraising.

· Gazebo

· Three Benches

· Children’s table and chairs for activities

· Splash Fountain

· Water Fountain

· Butterfly House

· Bird Houses

· Table and Benches for Games

· Sports Equipment and Games

South Hull Neighborhood Park

Volunteer Form

Name_________________________________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________

Contact Information

Phone_________________________________________________________________________

Email_________________________________________________________________________

How would you like to be contacted? By Phone___ Email____ Text____

Please tell us what you are interested in doing. Choose as many as you like.

o Garden bed maintenance ________

o Lawn mowing and trimming______

o Hosting children’s event_________

o Organizing a family game night____

o Maintaining Bulletin Board________

o Day and evening checks at Park (one day in the week.)____

o Recruiting volunteers_____________

o Serving on advisory board_________ (quarterly meetings with assigned tasks related to fundraising and event development.)

o Supervising work crews at workdays_____

o Installing Equipment__________________

o Donating to wish list items_____________

o Serving on Annual Fundraiser Committee (two meetings with assigned tasks plus the event).

How many hours a month would be convenient for you?_______ (even one hour helps!)

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!!!

South Hull Neighborhood Park

South Hull Neighborhood Park

FAQ’s

South Hull Neighborhood Park

WISH LIST

South Hull Neighborhood Park

Volunteer Form

Also Follow on FACEBOOK at South Hull District Association

South Hull District Association