Fundraising continues for Emerald Palace 2.0

For over two decades, Emerald Palace, located within Robe-Ann Park in Greencastle, has provided plenty of memories for children and families from across Putnam County.

However, all that was in jeopardy when it became apparent that upgrades were necessary. 

Despite the news that the future of Emerald Palace was murky, Greencastle mayor Lynda Dunbar vowed the Greencastle playground would not be going anywhere. 

"Emerald Palace is here to stay. It is exciting to see how the community has come together about that particular playground that was built 20 plus years ago. We got community support then and just as much, if not more, community support now. The ones who built it then, their kids are donating now to make sure it's there for the next generation. I am not surprised the fundraising has gone as well as it has. Emerald Palace is very important to the community," Dunbar told The Putnam County Post. 

Donations have been pouring in recently to help save and upgrade Emerald Palace. 

Greencastle Park Director Jason Keeney told the city council during this month's monthly meeting that progress has been made on the $245 thousand fundraising goal. Keeney said $102,911 had been raised and that another $28 thousand had been committed for the playground, which was built in 2001 by local volunteers. 

According to City Council President Stacie Langdon, many local residents and businesses have chipped in for the upgrades. 

"Many of our local businesses have chipped in, and have done so generously," Langdon said. 

Despite the good news on the fundraising front, Keeney did tell those in attendance that Emerald Palace 2.0 would not be ready until 2026. The rebuild was set to begin in October, but Keeney said that won't happen until April now. 

According to Keeney, the delay is the result of the date being pushed back is because several elements of the playground require a year lead time from the time they are ordered to arrival. 

"Hopefully we'll be done before Memorial Day," Keeney said.

There are still several ways residents can get involved with helping to raise funds. One way is to purchase a picket fence post for $50, which will be engraved with a name and be placed at Emerald Palace. Keeney said anyone wishing to help with the fundraising campaign can obtain a form at city hall or the park office at Robe-Ann Park. 

Dunbar said the support for the Emerald Palace project only highlights the commitment the city has made to parks around the city, especially Robe-Ann Park.  

"The park has made huge strides in the millions of dollars we have put into the sidewalks, the ADA accessibility and upgrading playgrounds. We made a big investment in our pool. I think people are seeing the investment, and people are ready to continue having Emerald Park there and making an investment in our city parks," Dunbar said.