In this day and age where municipalities can barely keep the wheels of democracy turning, sometimes we have to take matters into our own hands. Such was the case in regard to rebuilding the gazebo in Bassett Park on Griswold St. in the Village of Walton.

The village had to condemn the existing structure due to safety concerns according to Mayor Ed Snow, and after decades of weddings, bands and other community events, something just had to be done. Then “Walton: A Community That Cares” stepped in. After months of raising awareness and funds it seems the gazebo has an approved spot from the village board, so construction can start (with the pouring of the concrete) as soon as the weather allows.

Workers are also lined up to create this 100% community funded project. Patty Hunter-Wood has been selling bricks at $50 each for any individual or business that would like to purchase one. These bricks will become part of the permanent landscape of the new gazebo. The donation covers 3 lines of personalization with up to 13 letters per line. Send your checks to Walton: A Community That Cares, 157 Prospect Ave., Walton, NY 13856.

If the donated funds exceed the cost of rebuilding they will go toward other things in the park, such as benches.

Jeff Wood/WDLAfm.com
Jeff Wood/WDLAfm.com
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When I returned to Walton in 2006 one of the first things I did was grab my guitar and head to the park to play. A few years later Ben Vandermark and I brought music back to the park with a free concert. When I found out about the situation with the gazebo last year I went back to the park to supply music for a community day with vendors.

Lastly, I’m not just writing the story-- Wendy and I have already purchased our brick so that we can be a part of the history of Bassett Park and part of Walton, a village that cares.

 

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