WATERTOWN, NY — The Northern New York Community Foundation recently approved a $5,000 grant to support the playground revitalization project in the village of Deferiet.
The Community Foundation’s support comes as the village prepares a community build for the playground and the official opening later this month. The project will update the multi-purpose site with new playground equipment, a small picnic area and refreshed tennis and basketball courts. The playground will serve as a recreational and family-friendly venue for residents in the village and neighboring communities.
“The Community Foundation is pleased to be able to invest in a community that we have a history of supporting, and for whom this project means so much. It is always especially meaningful to be able to support a grassroots effort, led by the citizens, to make good things happen in smaller communities,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation director.
“Having the generous support of the Northern New York Community Foundation toward the end will provide the much-needed funding and motivation to make this effort a complete success,” said Nancy Dutton, village trustee and project coordinator. “Without this funding, we would not be able to fully complete our playground to make it an aesthetically pleasing gathering space for our village residents and those in surrounding areas. We are profoundly appreciative.”
Volunteers are encouraged to participate in the playground community build, which is scheduled to begin Thursday, July 19. Interested volunteers may call Ms. Dutton at (315) 493-4709 or contact the Village of Deferiet at (315) 493-2707. A village picnic and ribbon cutting ceremony for the playground will take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 27.
The Northern New York Community Foundation makes grants to support the work of non-profit organizations and provides scholarships to individuals in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. The Foundation has been built and added to from gifts (both while living and through their legacy plans) by individuals and organizations committed to meeting the changing needs of Northern New York, as well as supporting specific charitable interests and passions.