New Fund To Support Rebuild Of Fredericksburg's Alum Spring Park

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Those wishing to support the replacement of a popular playground at Alum Spring Park may now do so by contributing to a special fund established by Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation. According to a release from the city, the Director's Fund was created to increase recreation opportunities for Fredericksburg-area residents and help fund projects beyond the city's financial capacity.

The creation of the fund was prompted after summer storms destroyed the city-owned playground playground at Alum Spring Park. The city was forced to remove equipment for safety reasons, and while the city plans to replace the playground in 2020, the team at Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation is hoping the fund will help achieve its vision for a bigger and more accessible playground.

In addition to Alum Spring Park, the fund will also support similar projects within the city intended to enhance, expand or preserve parks, recreation facilities outdoor spaces and other programs.

“This new fund provides the options that our supporters have been seeking. Contributions made to the fund will be used for designated projects, such as expanding or installing new playground equipment, upgrading a trail, or even building a future park,” Jane Shelhorse, director of Director of Parks, Recreation & Events, said in the release.

With the support of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission, the fund was set up through the the Community Foundation, which manages charitable funds.

After news of the Alum Spring Park playground effort spread, the Community Foundation received an anonymous donation offering a $10,000 challenge gift, the release said. That means all dollars donated to the Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Director’s Fund by Oct. 15 will prompt a gift equal to the fund's balance, up to $10,000.

To contribute to this fund, visit www.cfrrr.org. All donations are tax-deductible.