Work is underway to revitalize Boyd Park and create “an active community space,” but much planning and fund-raising remains to be done.
A press release from the Eastside Hill Neighborhood Association (EHNA) said that the group has decided to push ahead with the project by itself, since the city of Eau Claire is unable to consider major improvements to the park for several years. The next step in the project was scheduled to be taken on Friday when Xcel Energy employees were to put in a day of community service at the park.
The Xcel Energy work was aimed at clearing out dead wood and invasive species from the riverbank west of the park’s pedestrian bridge over the Eau Claire River. This will allow the EHNA to begin planning the river access improvements that will be a major component of this Boyd Park Plus project.
The EHNA press release warned that Friday’s efforts were not a volunteer opportunity for anyone except the Xcel Energy workers, because “it is dangerous work.”
Vision for the project
The vision for the overall project is to “build a neighborhood green space offering neighbors of all ages an attractive area to play, stage events, gather and celebrate,” according to the press release. Major components of the project “will include more and better playground equipment, profoundly improved river access, preservation of the park’s ice skating area, a community garden program and upgrades to the prairie area,” the EHNA said.
In a neighborhood-wide survey conducted in 2018, Eastside Hill residents identified improvements to Boyd Park as their number one concern.
Boyd Park is located between Main Street and the river, between McGraw and Summer Streets and opposite the former Boyd School, which has been converted to residential use.
Two major phases
The ENHA said the two major phases of the improvement effort are developing a conceptual plan and the actual reconstruction of the park. Both phases will involve numerous steps and “plenty of fundraising,” with funding expected both from private donations and from grants, according to the ENHA’s press release.
Many ideas are on the table, and opportunities for community input will be announced soon, according to the ENHA press release. It added that area residents can help now by donating volunteer time or money (or both).
The ENHA said the two major phases of the improvement effort are developing a conceptual plan and the actual reconstruction of the park. Both phases will involve numerous steps and “plenty of fundraising,” with funding expected both from private donations and from grants, according to the ENHA.
“Right now, our major need is money for a professional conceptual plan, which will be created by veteran Eau Claire design firm Ayres Associates at a discounted rate,” the press release said.
Fund-raising goal
The initial fund-raising goal is $10,000, and Xcel Energy has already pledged a contribution to the project, according to the ENHA.
The EHNA Steering Committee, which is overseeing the project, is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and donations to Boyd Park Plus are tax-deductible. Online donations can be made by clicking here.
Additional information about the project is available at www.BoydParkPlus.com. It can also be obtained from Chris Buske at boydpark@eastsidehill.com or from Mark Ruddy at president@eastsidehill.com. Ruddy is president of the ENHA steering committee and Buske is the leader of the group’s Boyd Park Plus subcommittee.
Note: the map of Boyd Park and the surrounding area was taken from the website of the Eastside Hill Neighborhood.