Building Space for a Healthy Community
The Kiwanis Club of Winthrop envisioned a welcoming park behind the ball field where residents and visitors enter from North Cascades National Park. This is where the pump track is currently located. In 2020, Kiwanis committed to realizing the dream to build a Family Activity Park – encompassing the pump track with an expanded vision based on community input.
Extensive surveys conducted with the participation of Methow Valley School District students, community members, and the Town Council resulted in an ambitious scope for the space. The community attended two open houses, giving poignant feedback for the club to draft plans strategically.
In 2021, with volunteer assistance from landscape architect Bob Birkeland, blueprints showcase activities and spaces within the park while the main attraction continues to be the cycling obsticles for all ages. A detailed four-phase plan complete with cost estimates created a roadmap for the proposal.
We have completed phase one in partnership with the Town of Winthrop. Countless volunteer hours have resulted in grants, donations, expertise, and materials donated to the cause. We continue diligently to pursue opportunities for partnerships and funding.
Please check back here frequently for updates and announcements.
We hope you join us in developing the Family Activity Park.
One hundred percent of your donation will go toward making this dream come true.
In the Media | Related News Articles
Kiwanis ready to awaken ‘Family Activity Park’ dream – Methow Valley News
Winthrop Kiwanis reports progress on Family Activity Park – Methow Valley News
The Steps Forward
Phase 1
• Soil for infield – $4,000* • New bases. – $500* • Weed abatement. • Paint the outfield fence. – $1,500 • Seek funding. Kiwanis, Grants, Piggott Foundation, Zumiez Foundation, Town Lodging Tax • Infrastructure. – Water fountain on baseball field improvement – $2,000 – Water bib behind pitching mound – $1,500 – Water for trees – $5,000 – Hose bib near bathroom – $1,000 • Batting cage power. – $4,000 • Power 110 V behind pitcher’s mound – $500 • Power on Pump Park. – $6,000
Phase 2
• Seek funding. • Dugouts (2). – $6,000* • 4′ high fence around the grandstand. – $5,000 (pole & rail fence) • Landscaping – trees (including irrigation). – $15,000 (pine trees 20′ apart) – 15 trees @ $400 ea = $6,000 • Foul ball fencing. – $10,000 (telephone poles and netting) • Walking path. – $8,000 (weed block, 6′ wide, 4″ deep crushed gravel, 600′ long) • Pump track upgrades. – $5,000 • Dog-waste station (2). – $500* • Music station. – $2,000
Phase 3
• Seek funding. • Centerfield gate to batting cages. – $1,500 • Basketball court improvements. – $15,000 (asphalt) • Water fountain for Activity Park. – $3,000* (include hose bib) • Pump track upgrades – bike rack. – $5,000 • Fitness stations. – $7,000* • Walking path landscaping. – $5,000 • Trail to West Chewuch Road. – $1,500 • Kids play area. – Climbing wall – $1,500 – Outdoor “treehouse” with slide and ladder – $2,000 – Climbing tires – $1,000
Phase 4
• Seek funding. • Pavilion for shade. – $12,000* • Picnic tables (3). – $3,000* (metal) • Parking lot – curbs, entrance – exit. – $4,000 • Bulletin board. – $500* • Lighting for ballfield. – $50,000 • Lighting for Activity Park. – $20,000 • Signage. – $500 • Crosswalk across Hwy 20.
Here is a spreadsheet of the current Phase 1 budget… 23 04-17_KiwanisPH-1-CostEst-$37K
Lifting Up the Community!
Join our Growing List of Esteemed Donors and Community Partners
You can make this dream of building the Winthrop Family Activity Park come true!
Donate by sending a check indicating park funding to Winthrop Kiwanis Foundation, PO Box 286, Winthrop, WA 98862 or by using the PayPal link below:
Winthrop Kiwanis Foundation donations are tax deductible (EIN 23-7090044)
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the park be completed?
Based on the generous funds we are receiving, it is likely to be completed by 2027.
How much will the park cost?
The park could cost nearly $700,000 to make all of the community’s needs and hopes a reality.
Why is the Family Activity Park important?
“The American Academy of Pediatrics states, “Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children.”
“They also go on to state, “Despite the benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children.” As a rural, remote community faced with limited resources, we might also add that in addition to the challenge of “time,” access to adequate “spaces” designed to promote healthy play and family engagement can also serve as a significant barrier.
“Equipped with an aspirational vision, supporting research, and a strong track record of having led many successful community-based, equity-driven initiatives designed to promote the academic, social-emotional, and physical health and well-being of Methow Valley youth, I ask that you strongly consider their financial request for assistance.”
Tom Venable: School District Superintendent
What will be included in the park?
The park will include an appropriate pump track, a skill-building pump track, natural climbing areas, a basketball court, batting cages, grass, trees, native plants, a shelter, picnic areas, benches, a music area, and parking.
How can I get involved?
We invite anyone interested to join our crew of generous volunteers offering their time, resources, and financial support to bring this dream to reality.
Who is involved with the planning, or who can I contact about the park?
Please email Rick Jones to get involved.