UPDATE:

A $50,000 donation by Central Charities could make it possible for construction of a stage or performance pavilion at the end of the walking trail in 5th Street Playground Park to occur much sooner than originally planned. Kendall Schoenrock, with the Quality Play for All Committee, said the project was part of a five year plan. It was phase five.” And this will allow us to move that build schedule up quite significantly. We are still immediately focused on phase two and our phase two upgrdades but with a major donation of $50,000 this certainly helps us achieve our five-year vision and plan for 5th Street Playground Park.”

Schoenrock said there need to be discussions with different builders and architects to ensure the plans for the pavilion are solid and that everyone is signed off on those, including feedback from the City. He added that there is a lot of additional planning and work to be done. There is not yet a definite timeline for the work.

Edward C. Rolfs, Chairman of the Board of Central National Bank, spoke about the donation, saying that they thought that the project was important. “As kids we all played here 50-60 years ago. ” Rolfs also noted. “And I’m excited to have the performance pavilion coming. I think that will add a whole lot for Junction City.”

Rolfs said his father, E.J. Rolfs, who started Central Charities Foundation, passed away last year. “He was very committed to the arts and performances, and we thought this would be a great way to honor his memory.”

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Quality Play for All Non-Profit, a committee focused on improving parks in Junction City, has secured a $50,000 donation from Central Charities to build a new performance stage at the 5th Street Playground Park.

“The Central Charities is passionate about our community and are very excited about the plan for upgrades at 5th Street Playground Park,” said Chris Munson, Chair of Central Charities. “The performance stage will provide another quality venue for outdoor entertainment at this new location and we are excited to support such an excellent cause.”

The performance stage was initially scheduled as a later upgrade in the five-year plan developed by the Quality Play for All committe. ” We may be in a position to move up the build schedule of the stage, and we are very grateful for the generous donation from Central Charities,” said Kendall Schoenrock a committee member with Quality Play for All. “This will allow us to continue our focus on the larger vision for this area and we appreciate the buy-in for this plan.”

Keith and Phyllis Fitzgerald have donated $1,000 toward the 5th Street Playground Park project.

LaDonna Junghans, an agent with State Farm, is also supporting the Quality Play for All Committee. State Farm has donated a number of children’s bike helmets as giveaways as well as a cash donation. “Geary County and Junction City is great place to live and grow our families,” said LaDonna. “I believe that Quality Play for All Committee, and now the PlayJC.org focus on youth sports activities, bring together a long-term plan to build healthy lifestyles for our youth. I am proud to e a part of this as physical activity builds healthy minds and bodies.

There has been increased activity at 5th Street Park on the recently completed Phase I playground equipment, proving that the community will use and appreciate updated outdoor park facilities.