The Pocket Park Committee met with a representative from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. (KIB) to discuss our grant application and answer questions regarding our plans for the park. The committee reiterated that the park will be a place where residents can gather and enjoy each other’s company. Neighbors will be asked to join in the development of the design of the park. The KIB grant, if awarded, will help with park design and landscaping. KIB will use their expertise to assist us in developing and designing a park that has long-term viability and appeal. Additionally, KIB works with many other organizations that provide in-kind assistance and, if necessary, could provide materials or supplies for our park. We will keep our fingers crossed. The Pocket Park Committee believes that this is the best KIB grant application that we’ve submitted to date.
When the HMPNA Board decided to take on the development of a pocket park in HMP several years ago, it developed a phased plan. Phase 1 is complete and we are moving on to Phase 2. We will continue fundraising. Neighbor generosity is appreciated. For review, the phases are:
- Phase 1, Park Ownership, included partnership creation, brochure and story-board creation, and large-donor fundraising to purchase the land.
- Phase 2, Park Development, includes grant funding, church partnerships, a smaller donor Internet-based campaign, and special events including our HMP Home Tour where a percentage of funds will go towards the park.
- Phase 3, Park Maintenance, will consist of multi-year donor commitments and funding from dues-paying members. The park may also allow for rental agreements for birthday partings and wedding receptions to generate additional income.