Sunrise Park

     For as long as we have lived here, I have thought we needed a park closer to my home.  However, I thought that the parks department would tell me we have a park not far away, Whispering Pines.  Well last week the parks department published a section of the newspaper all about the parks in Port St. Lucie. The section begins with an editorial citing the benefits of neighborhood parks. On the back page there is a map showing all the parks.  When you look at the map, you realize how there are no parks in our area. Other areas of Port St. Lucie have clusters of parks, but there are no parks in the Becker Road area. Most of the homes in our area are less than 10 years old, so that may have something to do with it.
     Unfortunately, nearly every day there are articles in the paper about how the city has no money. They just laid off policemen, so there is no way there will be money for a new park. I have an idea to try and raise money for a park and purchase a waterfront lot on the canal. John doesn't think I will be able to raise the money, but I think that a lot of people who do not have waterfront lots would be willing to contribute. 
     The lot that I have in mind is at the end of a street and adjacent to property owned by Martin County for access to the canal. I think it is a good location for a park. My proposal follows:

Proposed Park- Sunrise Park

 786 SW Abode Ave. Port St. Lucie

(adjacent to the Martin County property at the end of Abode Ave.)

1. a picnic shelter with 4 picnic tables

2. a children’s play area with a fence to keep small children from wandering to the canal

4. a pier for fishing and  where people could  put a canoe or kayak in the water

5. parking for 4 cars

Raising Money for Sunrise Park

1. Ask for contributions from residents of the area

            a. initial goal of 25 area residents contributing $1000 each or

            250 residents contributing $100 each to purchase the lot

            b. smaller contributions from area residents

2. Coin donation jars in area stores

3. Benefit concerts given by area musicians

I have sent a letter to the parks commissioner and I am starting to talk to area residents. I will need to set up a non-profit group- Friends of Sunrise Park.  Wish me luck!