Willow Springs Splash Deck, scheduled for its grand opening in Florence Park on June 4, got a boost this month from Florence-Carlton High School industrial arts students. Weston Jones’ woods class has been busy mass-producing Trex-topped tables for a picnic area next to the new splash deck.
According to Jones, the project manages to meet the needs of some of the state curriculum standards while giving Florence students a chance to make a positive investment in the community. “We’re excited to help build something useful for the park,” Jones said. “This is a great opportunity to show how schools and students can be involved in the community. If our class has the time and skills, we are more than happy to participate in projects such as this.”
Given just basic guidelines by the Christy Parrott Foundation, the splash deck’s sponsor, students have been intricately involved in designing as well as building the tables. Western Building Company in Stevensville provided Trex, wood, and other supplies at a significant discount, with the Christy Parrott Foundation picking up the rest of the cost.
Less than one month after the supplies were dropped off, six tables moved off the production line and onto a trailer to be delivered to Florence Park. The Bitterroot Stars 4H Club will be sanding and sealing the table framework.
“The tables look great,” said Cristi Migliaccio, a board member for the Christy Parrott Foundation. “We’re grateful for all the students’ help, as well as the help of all the contractors, businesses, community groups, and individuals who have really come through on this project.”
She added that community support has helped boost morale after significant vandalism this spring at Hideout Mountain, Florence’s much-loved playground. According to Doug Parrott, who heads the foundation building the splash deck, a new security system should help forestall any future attempts to vandalize the park.
The Christy Parrott Foundation invites everyone to celebrate the grand opening of Willow Springs Splash Deck on June 4 at 1 p.m.