Long range plan for Waynesborough includes expanded funding
By Sam Atkins
Published in News on April 21, 2004 2:08 PM
Old Waynesborough Commission board members decided Monday that funding for the park is the most important part of their long-range plan, and they plan to ask the Goldsboro City Council and the county commissioners to pitch in more money.
Bill Kemp, board member, said Waynesborough Park needs to be one of the best parks in the country. He presented a timeline to the board at its quarterly meeting, showing how it could reach a fund-raising goal of $1 million by 2012.
"Collectively, I think we can do this," he said.
In 2003, the city and county provided $38,000, which was combined with the $18,000 raised by the commission.
Kemp said several commission members will attend the Goldsboro City Council meeting on May 17 and the county commissioner meeting at a later date to ask for more money. The plan is to ask for $50,000 combined from them this year with 3 percent increases every year after.
The commission says it needs more money now that it has approved the takeover of 130 acres on the Neuse River off U.S. 117. It is waiting for the state to turn over the deed.
Kemp said the commission should furnish 20 percent of the funding, or as much as $200,000 eight years from now. Other ways to raise money would be through grants and charging admission to the historical village.
It could also set up a program with various schools next fall to tour the village, increase the village's hours, improve festivals and re-enactments, and find more volunteers. He also suggested hiring an executive director.
"We need to get things moving," he said.
The commission has also filed for its federal nonprofit status, which will make it an independent organization, separate from the Wayne County Historical Association. The commission has been a component of the association for many years.
The board also elected new officers, who will begin their terms on July 1.
They are president, Lloyd Massey; first vice president of operations, Gene Bennett; second vice president of finance, Arnold Leder; third vice president of building, grounds and long-range planning, Bill Kemp; public relations, Ray Swinson; secretary, Colleen Baker; and treasurer, Bob Logan.
Employees of the park are office manager, Colleen Baker; office associate #1, Bill Brunson; office associate #2, Bobby Howell; and maintenance supervisor, Bob Baker.
The Historical Village is at 801 U.S. 117 S. Bypass in Goldsboro. Its hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Monday.
For more information on becoming involved in the events or becoming a commission member, call 731-1653 or e-mail waynesborough@earthlink.net.