This past year has been a busy one for the committee. Throughout the summer the committee members attended many Portage events handing out cards and making an awareness about our project. At these events we received an overwhelming amount of excitement for the project and the possibility of a spray park in Portage. We also received a large amount of disconcern about the spray park being designated in Ramona Park due to the entrance fee.
In the fall our committee met to discuss the future of the project. Even though the donations were low and with the economy on a downswing the committee wanted to continue forward into 2010 in our fundraising campaign. With a downswing in the economy having an attraction in Portage is what our community needs. During this time, we were also contacted by a couple city council members with concern in the proposed location as well. With their support and recommendation our committee spent 2 months preparing a presentation to city council. The document given to city council at our presentation can be found here. We felt that the presentation went well and 'thought' there was going to be a task force once all necessary entities provided input.
After 3 months and no official word from city council our committee met to discuss the future of the project. The committee reluctantly decided that due to low donations, lack of continued support of city council and city administration and the current economical situation to end our campaign for a spray park for Portage. There is always hope that some local corporations and businesses will contact us with a commitment for a donation and/or a location for a future spray park. In the upcoming weeks, donations will be returned to the donors.
The committee wants to thank you for your support over this past year.
I personally want to express my gratitude to the committee members who worked hard to try to make this spray park for Portage happen, the donors and all those who supported us.
Scott Grinder
Director
Portage Spray Park Initiative