Florissant Parks Foundation
Mark Behlmann
President
Tim Lee
Vice President
Diana Weidinger
Treasurer
Don Zykan
Secretary
Board Members:
Dan Boyle
Hank Bruemmer
Susan Isenberg, PhD
Rev. James DeClue
Chris Lotz
Dave Otto
Steve Robbins
Frank Stahlschmidt
Mary Sullivan
Ex-Officio:
Mayor Robert Lowery
Bob Russell
Ron Veach
Our mission is to work for the betterment and
improvement of Florissant Parks.
The Florissant Parks Foundation is a 501 c (3) charitable corporation, formed in 2004. Our mission is to work for the betterment and improvement of the City of Florissant Parks. The Florissant Parks Foundation is very excited to announce that the Nature Lodge at Sunset Park is now under construction. The Lodge structure itself has been purchased by a Grant received from the St. Louis Metropolitan Parks Board. Most of the construction and associated services are being supplied on a contribution and donation basis and the real work is being supplied by the Carpenters District Council Apprentice Training Program. The Foundation as well as the City of Florissant is about to see the initial part of our vision for Sunset Park.
The Florissant Parks Board of Directors would like to share with everyone what has been accomplished thus far.
•$26,180 for initial study and boundary survey Sunset Park
$26,180 for initial study and boundary survey Sunset Park •Foundation was happy to fund and support the “Vote Yes” campaign for the park improvement Sales tax campaign and thank the residents for their commitment to Florissant Parks.
Foundation was happy to fund and support the “Vote Yes” campaign for the park improvement Sales tax campaign and thank the residents for their commitment to Florissant Parks. •$32,295 for Horner Shifrin Consulting for Phase I,
$32,295 for Horner Shifrin Consulting for Phase I, and an additional $7,779 to finish Phase II
The Foundation has had 2 successful golf events raising over $40,000.00 which keeps the Foundation funded and moving forward, and will sponsor another tournament in 2008.
The Foundation has also received direct donations of nearly $100,000.00 as well as in kind goods and services, all setting the groundwork for the future. Several of these donors have pledged additional funds as the project moves forward as well as ongoing future support.
The Foundation has met with potential donors such as the Gateway Foundation, who has told us they are excited about the possibility of putting in scenic overlooks in the park. We are working on additional grants, and looking to the future when a boat launch, sponsored by the Missouri Conservation Department becomes a reality. Great Rivers Greenway already has plans to move forward with a trail and improvements along the riverfront.
When complete, the Nature Lodge will be the first of many improvements to Sunset Park, and will show everyone that we are all committed to moving forward. When complete, we estimate this Lodge to be an $800,000 project with over 80% of funding coming from grants, in kind contributions, and direct donations.
The Florissant Parks Foundation Board is committed to making the dreams for Sunset Park a reality. Last year we went to Florissant and pledged funds to the Nature Lodge. In 2007, we began construction of the Lodge, and in 2008 we plan to complete the Nature Lodge at Sunset Park for the City and the residents of the City of Florissant.
The Florissant Park Foundation Board of Directors wants to Thank the Mayor and the Council, for their support and vision on this project. As well, we thank those who have volunteered their services and support. Also, we gratefully thank the members of the Labor and Trades Unions who have designated Sunset Park as an apprentice zone and under the supervision of journeyman will be constructing the Lodge at “AT NO LABOR COST” to the City or Residents of Florissant.
Stop and visit the progress of the Nature Lodge at Sunset Park and witness the vision become reality.
The Florissant Parks Foundation
