OTTAWA — The Goppert Foundation will give $50,000 to the Ottawa Teen Park. Goppert’s donation will be added to $110,000 already raised over the past year for the teen park, said Mayor Sara Caylor. The final goal is $250,000. The teen park fund-raising has been ongoing since the beginning of the 2016, with pledges received from the city, Ottawa Rotary, Franklin County, an anonymous donor who gave $50,000 and funds from an Ottawa Middle School dodgeball tournament, she said. In addition, a shoe drive also has raised money for the park. “It is no surprise that the Goppert Foundation is willing to build on its previous philanthropic efforts in the community, but it is very significant to this project,” Caylor said. “They are absolutely ensuring the dreams of our teens will become a reality.” “I was happy to help facilitate the opportunity for this gift,” said Mike Skidmore, city commissioner and vice president of Goppert State Savings Bank. Play Task Force Chairperson Fonda Rose said the task force is excited about the donation. “We are going to do this thing and make the vision come true for our area youth,” she said. The first phase includes relocating the skate park amenities to the Teen Park location south of 15th Street and Kanza Park. It also will include three basketball courts and a zip line. The second phase includes a pump track, an above-ground looped system with slopes and banks for bicycles, skateboarding and skating.
Wednesday, April 19, 4:30 p.m.
