A $6,000 NEXUS Spark Grant approved by the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) Board of Directors at its September 9 meeting will help the Friends of Clarke County Conservation purchase playground equipment to be installed between the camping areas and Conservation Center at Osceola’s East Lake Park.
The CCDC helped the Friends of Clarke County Conservation procure new playground equipment (similar to image pictured) for Osceola’s East Lake Park.
The CCDC grant represents a strategic investment in a community recreational project, while the Friends of Clarke County Conservation’s approach to the purchase demonstrates how careful planning and local fundraising can extend the impact of those funds.
The Friends discovered used playground equipment through Bauer Companies listed for $10,000. With transportation and delivery, the total project cost is expected to be approximately $12,000. The Friends secured $6,000 in matching funds and requested the remaining $6,000 through the CCDC NEXUS Spark Grant program.
The purchase represents substantial savings compared with the cost of acquiring comparable playground equipment new.
During the board meeting, Osceola City Administrator Ty Wheeler and Clarke Community Schools representative Becca Kedley discussed recent playground investments by their respective organizations, some with price tags in the mid-six figures, illustrating the significant capital investment often required for new playground facilities and equipment.
Upon reviewing the listing, the Friends identified comparable new playground equipment ranging from $20,000 to $45,000, depending on size and configuration.
By locating the Bauer Companies equipment for $10,000, the Friends were able to significantly reduce the overall project cost while still making a substantial investment in a new recreational amenity at East Lake Park.
“This is a great example of the Friends of Clarke County Conservation doing their homework and finding an economical solution that made sense for East Lake Park,” said Andrew B. Clark, CCDC Executive Director. “They took the time to research their options, found quality equipment at significant savings and moved quickly when the opportunity became available. Their work helped turn a smart purchase into a meaningful recreational investment for the entire community.”
The grant also provided an example of the flexibility built into CCDC’s NEXUS program.
The Friends needed to move quickly to reserve the equipment because of the limited-time availability of the Bauer Companies listing. At the same September 9 meeting, CCDC was also scheduled to discuss and vote on proposed revisions to the NEXUS Grant Program, including grant review timing and award frequency.
Recognizing the urgency of the equipment purchase, the CCDC Grant Committee temporarily tabled consideration of the grant request and allowed the full board to address the proposed NEXUS changes first. Following that discussion, the Grant Committee reconvened to consider the Friends’ application and ultimately recommended the $6,000 Spark Grant for approval.
Once installed, the playground equipment will provide an additional recreational amenity for families, campers and other visitors to East Lake Park, complementing the park’s existing camping and conservation facilities.
The Friends of Clarke County Conservation’s combination of local fundraising, careful price shopping and timely action allowed the organization to pair $6,000 in local matching funds with a $6,000 CCDC investment to create a roughly $12,000 playground project while avoiding the considerably higher cost associated with purchasing comparable equipment new.