UPDATE:  Thank you!  We reached our goal of $150,000 in May 2019 with the addition of $80,000 from the Community Preservation Committee Funds.  Playground equipment has been ordered and will be arriving in a few weeks.  We are now onto Phase 2 - raising an additional $50,000 to reach our total of $200,000.

Also, please note - the dollar amount on this GoFundMe only reflects the donations made by credit card.  You can also send a check to Friends of Linear Park - PO Box 204 - Williamstown, Ma 01267.



“You don’t appreciate what you have ‘til it’s gone.” No words ring truer. If you know me, you know that when there is a cause I believe in for the Town and the good of the community, I galvanize into action to support it. I am writing today to share information about the new initiative for our community, the Friends of Linear Park Campaign, and respectfully ask that you consider donating to support the purchase and installation of the new playground.

When the need for this campaign became apparent I joined forces with my friends, Rita Coppola-Wallace and Julie Sniezek. Earlier this year, the playground equipment at Linear Park on Water Street had to be removed by the Department of Public Works after not passing inspection for safety. This park is essential to the core of our Village Business District and is used by the Community Preschool, Williams College Students, young families and those looking for a quiet spot to have a picnic or just simply relax. Despite its heavy use and beloved nature, it has not been updated in 25+ years.

In light of this, Rita, Julie and I partnered with the Williamstown Community Chest to see how we could improve this beloved community space. We spoke with the Select Board and Conservation Commission who both gave us the go ahead to move forward with an independent campaign for funding.

“We are enthusiastic to work with volunteers and supporters who are working to redesign the park and to raise funds for the installation of equipment and amenities.” Jason Hoch, Town Manager.

Thanks to an anonymous $50,000 gift and in-kind service donated by J.H. Maxymillian, Inc. of Pittsfield, this Campaign has already had a number of milestones. As you may have noticed, because of this upfront support, we were able to break ground just a few weeks ago. We have regraded the entire site and removed the road which split the park into two sections, taken down hazardous trees and developed a plan for the active and passive sections of the new park.

To continue this important work, we need your support as a community member. I ask that you consider making a contribution in any amount to help us reach our outstanding goal of $150,000 to complete the vision of the park. You can review our plan and vision for this space on the reverse side of this document.

For families who are able to make leadership-level gifts ($2000 and up), we would be delighted to offer naming opportunities for key pieces of equipment and the Pavilion itself. Please feel free to contact Amy  to discuss a full list of opportunities and/or see Underwriter Menu below.

Of course, a gift of any size would be deeply appreciated. Your generosity will benefit all who come to enjoy the park including those who live in Williamstown and beyond.

Thank you for considering this request and for your ongoing commitment to community.

Sincerely,
Amy Jeschawitz
Friends of Linear Park Campaign


Underwriter Menu of Play Equipment
Global Motion. $25,000.00
Omni Spinner. $8,000.00
Peak Rock Climber. $6,000.00
Grandioso Chimes.  $6,000.00
Vivo Metallophone. $5,000.00
Stand-Up Seesaw. $2,000.00
Swing Set. $6,000.00
Clubhouse.  $7000.00

20’ Pavilion. $17,000.00

Safety Surfacing
Poured-In-Place.  $34,000.00
Woodfiber Safety.  $7,000.00