The “Friends of Renee” Spraypark Committee are holding a kick-off campaign Saturday, Sept. 13 at Clintonwood Park.
The group is attempting to raise $153,000 by Dec. 31, 2003 to construct a new Spraypark at Clintonwood Park. The hope is to have the park, dedicated in the memory of Renee Przybylski, by June of 2004.
The event on Saturday will start at 10 a.m. with a public announcement by Michele Przybylski, committee chairman and Renee’s mother.
Also slated is a $10,000 check presentation from Optimist president Ahdi Dasuqi and a breakfast. In addition there will be a moonwalk, face painting and a free raffle of two $100 dedication bricks for everyone to enjoy.
“We are really excited about this and we want to get other people excited about it,” Przybylski said.
The group, which has already raised more than $25,000 since starting their efforts in April, want to use this opportunity to promote some fundraisers they have coming up in the near future.
The committee is planning an “Eat out, Clarkston” fundraiser for November where local restaurants will give 10 percent of their proceeds on a specific day to the cause. They are also planning on raffling off a Rolex watch during the Holiday Parade in December.
Przybylski said the group is also trying to receive funds from different contests.
“We entered a contest from the television show the ‘View’ which is worth $25,000. We made a three minute video about how we were trying to raise money and how it would benefit the entire Clarkston community,” Przybylski said.
A spraypark is a new variety of playground, easily described as a playground with water. It is all computerized with kids activating the water when they enter.
“It is very safe for kids because the water drains right away, which means there is no danger of drowning and there is no need for lifeguards,” Director of Independence Parks and Recreation Mike Turk said.
The project was inspired by Renee Przybylski who passed away at the age of 23 due to leukemia. Renee spent many summers working as a day camp counselor for the Parks and Recreation Department.
“We want to let the community know what we are doing. We want to answer any questions they have about this community project,” Przybylski said. “This is not necessarily to promote donations but to get people connected to the project.”