With Woodchase Park under construction, Westchase District has turned its attention to raising the funds necessary to complete its second park. Wilcrest Park will be built on a 3.5 acre parcel of land on Wilcrest, just north of the Robinson Westchase Library and the Westchase District’s Library Loop Trail.
“We need to raise $3.2 million to build the spectacular park we’ve planned,” said Louis Jullien, Westchase District’s projects director who is overseeing the Greenspace for Westchase Campaign. “We’re already receiving positive feedback from the corporate and philanthropic community, but we want to give every business and individual an opportunity to invest in this park.”
Living legacy: Donors of any level can support the Community Campaign which will fund a spectacular park for many generations to enjoy.
The campaign is designed for people to get involved early and continue to support the campaign. Jullien stated that the potential for gifts from small to large will significantly add up and help Greenspace for Westchase meet its goal. “Every gift represents a community vote of support for this much needed park,” he said. “And, community gifts represent our strength as one of Houston’s best areas to live, work and play. If we can draw many people who come together as donors for our parks, then their impact can be meaningful and transformative.”
Even as Westchase District pursues large grants, which will be important to the campaign, it expects that a vast majority of contributions will come from individuals and companies. “Community participation gifts could represent 60 to 70 percent of our goal,” said Jullien.
Plans forthcoming for donor markers
More plans for the Community Campaign will be announced later this year. In the meantime, every gift will receive recognition on wdcfund.org as all gifts will go through the District’s 501(c)(3) charity, Westchase District Community Fund.
The Community Campaign has proposed the following contribution levels: $1,000+ contributions will receive recognition in a special issue of Westchase Today and The Wire, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 level gifts will receive special donor markers in the park in small, medium or large sizes. Jullien will unveil marker renderings later in the year.
Jullien emphasized that gifts of any size will make a difference. “The community can help us build a legacy for future generations of people who live in Westchase District and make it their home,” said Jullien. “The more people we get behind this campaign, the more stewardship and ownership all of us have in building something that will benefit many generations and transcend time.”
Our community, your park
“We really want to involve everyone because this is a park where people of all ages – from kids to grandparents – can connect with a program or activity,” said Jullien. “How many opportunities do we get to enter on the ground floor of building something special?”
Those interested in donating to the campaign will be able to get more information on wdcfund.org/greenspace. The Houston Chronicle recently ran a story about the District’s plans for parks.
