1st Source Donates $18,784 for New Community Pavilion

1stSourceWestvillePavilion1st Source Bank has donated more than $18,000 to the Westville Parks Department for construction of a new community pavilion and upgraded playground at Prairie Meadow Park.

“1st Source is pleased to partner with the Town of Westville on this project to enhance the park and provide a place for the community to gather for years to come,” said 1st Source Bank Regional President Matt Vessely in announcing the gift.

The $18,784 contribution will help fund a larger, handicapped-accessible pavilion to replace the aging structure that was built in the mid-1980s in the town’s largest park at the north junction of U.S. 421 and U.S. 6.

“Many memories were made at the picnic shelter built by the Westville Lions 30 years ago and it served the community well, but over time the town has grown and the shelter has deteriorated,” Town Council parks liaison Lisa Mayes said.

“This generous donation from 1st Source Bank provides the funds needed for a larger, handicapped-accessible pavilion, and allows us to replace some of the aging playground equipment in the park,” she said.

In-kind donations of materials and services from all contractors involved helped to lower the cost of the project.

Parkman Excavating of Westville completed demolition work on the old structure September 5, with construction of the new facility to begin in the coming days.

Greg Dille of Suzanne’s Construction and Building Inc. in Valparaiso will be the builder on the project, with materials provided by Carter Lumber of Westville. L&S Construction of Union Mills will pour the foundation, with concrete from Tazco Redi-Mix of Westville.

Bill Smith’s AgriScience classes at Westville High School will build handicapped-accessible picnic tables, increasing the seating capacity to more than 100 with 14 additional wheelchair spaces. His Independent Career class will build a serving table and coordinate the entire project.

Contributions are still needed for electrical upgrades, lighting, and playground equipment. A special fund has been set up at 1st Source Bank on U.S. 421 in Westville. Those interested in contributing can bring cash or a check made payable to the Town of Westville – Prairie Meadow Park Fund to the banking center. For information, contact Sarah Hodum, 1st Source Westville Banking Center Manager at (219) 785-4233.

A ‘doughnuts for donations’ fundraiser will kick off the donation campaign on Saturday, October 3 after the Pumpkin Fest Parade at the site of the new pavilion in Prairie Meadow Park. From noon to 3:00 stop by and make a donation to the special fund and receive a doughnut from the Garwood Bake Shoppe.

A formal dedication event is being planned for next spring when the picnic tables will be completed and the new playground equipment is in place.

“The new 1st Source Bank Westville Community Pavilion will become a centerpiece for Prairie Meadow Park and a source of pride for the town,” Mayes said.

“1st Source is pleased to make this contribution to benefit the community for years to come,” Vessely said.