CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism (CPRST) on Thursday announced that its $100,000 fundraising goal for Cullman’s upcoming skatepark has been met and exceeded thanks to the generosity of local benefactors including the Whitesell family, the Cullman Rotary Club and the CPRST Foundation.
“We knew that we would need amenities, bathrooms, benches, shade and landscaping to go along with the project. We were very fortunate to have a private donor – the Whitesell family – to step up with $50,000 donation, but it was contingent on a match. Just like we have many times with other big projects the community comes together and we’re really excited that we were able to find that match and more,” said CPRST Executive Director Nathan Anderson.
A private donation by the Rob Whitesell family in the amount of $50,000 was only available if a 100% match was raised. Donations from the Cullman Rotary Club and CPRST Foundation totaled $70,000, meaning the matching goal was readily met. The Rotary Club provided $40,000 and the CPRST Foundation gave $30,000.
“This is a great opportunity for all of these younger kids, an opportunity for them to have a safe place to go and enjoy the sport. With the popularity of the X-Games and everything you see on television, this gives those kids an opportunity to hone (sic) their skills,” shared the CPRST Foundation’s Ben Harrison as he presented a check to Anderson Thursday.
The Rotary Club, which provided funding for CPRST’s Connected Park and replanted trees after Cullman’s 2011 tornadoes, found it fitting to donate to the new skatepark as well, following its tenets of giving back to the community.
The skatepark construction is on schedule, with the park slated to open in October of this year. The park will be located along Second Avenue Northeast, between Depot Park and the Cullman Police Department.
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