The press release Michael Lewis
The playground once known as “Jones Park” will be rebuilt by volunteers October 4-8 and funded by donations from the public.
The rebuilt playground is on property now owned by Asheville City Schools. The school board voted to rename the site Candace Pickens Memorial Park after the young woman murdered there in 2016.
Volunteers built the original playground in 1999, and it was heavily used for over twenty years. Time and lack of maintenance took their toll and the original playground was condemned and demolished in September 2021. Neighborhood leader David Rodgers has spent the last 18 months soliciting monetary pledges, working through the complicated government interests that had oversight of the property and is now recruiting volunteers for reconstruction of the playground.
Rebuilding the playground promises to be major volunteer project. Those who would like to participate may sign up here.
The project is being financed with donated funds (no tax money is involved) and donations are still needed. Donations are received by Asheville City Schools Foundation. Donations may be made by credit card or PayPal here.
Due to PayPal charges, donations of $500 or more should be made by check or wire transfer. For wire transfers or transfer of stock contact Rebecca Abide: rebecca.abide@acsgmail.net.
Checks should be sent to:
Asheville City Schools Foundation
P.O. Box 3196
Asheville, NC 28802
Memo: Candace Pickens Park
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