City of Edwardsville breaks ground on Plummer Family Park
Ground was broken Saturday morning to officially kick off the Plummer Family Park development – a multi-sport, state-of-the-art park located on the west side of Edwardsville.
City officials, the Plummer family, other generous donors and the young athletes who will benefit from this park gathered for the event.
In 2015, Plummer’s donation of land was a key element needed in the plan’s development. Plummer made the donation on behalf of his family to give the youth of the community and surrounding areas a top-notch space to build teamwork and leadership through their respective sports. The park was named Plummer Family Park in recognition of Plummer’s donation. Robert Plummer and his family operate a lumber company chain and development companies based in Edwardsville.
The park is part of the city’s “A Better Place to Play Campaign,” which seeks donations and grant money to continue the development of the Plummer Family Park and a yet-to-be named ice hockey rink and teen facility. The Leon Corlew Park and Splash Pad in Edwardsville was developed in 2016 because of the initiative. The campaign continues to actively seek donations for these projects.
Mayor Hal Patton was on hand for the celebration.
“I am proud of this park project and its progress. From what was once a dream turned into a goal to today’s groundbreaking, there are countless people to thank. I especially want to recognize the Plummer Family and all of the donors involved thus far. This groundbreaking is happening because of each of you,” Patton said. “You should each take pride in the fact that you are leaving a permanent legacy on our community.”
Other prominent donations have been received from J.F. Electric, Hal Patton Sr. with a match from Medtronics, Bank of Springfield and Ebbets Fields HOA. Metro East Park and Recreation District also funded a land acquisition grant in the amount of $300,000.
Construction for the park is slated to be complete in segments over the course of several years. Once finished, it is anticipated that it will play host to regular community groups and leagues as well as a number of large-scale regional and national tournaments that will bring added tourism revenue to the city. The Plummer Sports Park will include eight baseball diamonds, twelve pickle ball courts, six soccer fields, road improvements, parking, concessions and restrooms.
To make a donation to the Better Place to Play Campaign, residents and potential sponsors may donate online at www.betterplacetoplay.com or contact the Edwardsville Community Foundation at www.edwardsvillecommunityfoundation.org. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law through the foundation.
