FAQS
South Hull Neighborhood Park
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 Park is expected to be open the end of August 2025.. 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 Park and in close cooperation with the South Hull District Association and resident Volunteers. The 501c3 is composed of an community Executive Board and a voting Board of Advisors 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 $5700 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, yoga, and outdoor activities 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 seasonal splash pad for sizzling summer days funded by a generous donor. The site of at least one scheduled activity a month for children and their families.
C. A family picnic area with tables.
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 gazebo for meetings, concerts, or educational events funded by the County of Montgomery.
H. A sign cabinet for posting activities, park rules, and community events.
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 The Montgomery City Police will be asked to install a security camera for the area 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 and residents.
What About Parking?
The Park is meant to be mostly a ‘walk-to’ park for South Hull residents.
Street parking will remain limited.
Carpooling will be encouraged.
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?
· At www.southhulldistrictassociation.com/PARK
Join the mailing list for the South Hull Park by contacting lindydennard@outlook.com
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.
· 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