Cargill, MCH pledge funds to new Generations Park

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Two Blair businesses have committed to contributing significant dollars to a new park in Blair.

Cargill has pledged $66,000, while Memorial Community Hospital and Health System has pledged $60,000 to Generations Park.

The park, which will be located in the green space just northeast of the Blair Public Library and Technology Center in the Deerfield subdivision, will include a splash pad, playground equipment, pickleball courts, half-court basketball, bocce ball, horse shoe pits, green space, shelters and restrooms.

The park will also tie into the city's existing trail system.

The projected total cost of the project is $1.6 million to $1.9 million.

As the largest business in Blair, Cargill Facility Manager Traci Earl said it was important for the company to serve the community and the people who live in it.

“Volunteering time and resources is one of the many ways we can show this,” she said. “I can't think of a better example than our donation to Generations Park. The park is going to provide a fun and safe place for the residents of Blair, which includes a large percentage of our employees, to meet and play. I look forward to it's completion and Cargill is proud to be a part of it.”

Molly Dahlgren, marketing director at MCH, said the hospital is purposeful with its donations and how they tie in with the community.

“(This project) aligns well with our mission to partner with the community to heal, nurture and promote wellness. It ties in nicely,” she said. “We're really trying to do that with our sponsorships and relate those to what our mission is.”

The hospitals funds will go toward the walking trails and bike path within the park.

Assistant City Administrator Aaron Barrow said donors will be recognized.

“Those donors who make a significant contribution toward a specific feature, we want to give them credit,” he said. “We think it's important that the community knows that there may be private individuals or businesses that are invested in Blair and support our efforts to provide amenities for the community.”

A fundraising committee is actively seeking donations, with a goal of $500,000. The City of Blair also is applying for grant funding for a total of $500,000.

Donations can be made through the Washington County Community Foundation where a fund has been established. All donations are tax deductible.