The “Building Our Future” Project

Join us in making a difference by donating to the park and help us reach our final goal of $5.5 Million! Your contribution can make a big impact on the preservation and enhancement of this beautiful public space.
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The Building Our Future Project is a public-private partnership between The Barrow Community Foundation, Barrow County Schools, local businesses, and private citizens to build a destination park and playground in Barrow County, Georgia.

The fundraising campaign began quietly in the Spring of 2022 and has raised over $4 Million. The public campaign has now officially launched with the final goal of raising $5.5 Million, with a ground breaking ceremony scheduled for May of 2023.

We invite you to make a pledge today and join us in building this exciting destination park.

 

Campaign Goal

$5.5 Million

Total Pledged so far

$4.1 Million

% of Goal

75%

Building Our Future Campaign Brochure (PDF)
Naming Opportunities (PDF)
Pledge Form (PDF)
For more information on the project or how you can make a pledge, please contact Glenn Ver Steeg at (770) 846-3968.

Campaign Video


Park Overview


The Building Our Future Park Project will be developed on the Old Russell Middle School campus located at 84 W Midland Avenue in Winder, which is also home to the Center For Innovative Teaching.

Complete List of Park Features

  1. Destination Playground
  2. Splash Pad/Water Play Area
  3. Walking Paths
  4. Open Field Area
  5. Sports Court
  6. Reading Nooks
  7. Outdoor Classroom
  8. Open Air Market
  9. Food Truck Area
  10. Pavilions and Picnic Areas
  11. Public Restrooms
  12. Bioswale
  13. Dog Park
  14. Sculpture and Art Garden
  15. Pollinator Meadow
  16. Tree House
  17. Shading structures

Destination Playground

The highlight of the park is the destination playground that is aimed to be one of the premier playgrounds in the state of Georgia. A truly integrated play area that caters to children of all ages, the playground will feature unique and challenging play pieces as well as ADA-accessible features for children with disabilities.


A wide variety of state-of-the-art play equipment will be surrounded by soft green turf, winding paths, picnic areas, a large pavilion, and shaded areas.


Play features include climbing blocks, swings, twisters, slides, climbing ropes, a zip line, ADA-accessible features, sensory pieces for children with autism, and more.

The large structure in the center of the playground is the “Barrowsaurus”, a one-of-a-kind in the world rope pyramid that is 27 feet high and 70 feet long, providing fun and challenging play for the entire family.


Campaign Leadership

The Barrow Community Foundation is grateful to the many corporate and community leaders and volunteers who have dedicated their time and financial resources to this project.

Philip Gossling
DoMyOwn.com

Doug Mitchell
Mitchell & Crunk

Steffanie Sorrells
Bank OZK

Brad Akins
Akins Ford

Carol Burrell
Northeast Georgia HS

David Bleth
Harrison Poultry

Dr. Chris McMichael
Barrow Country Schools

Chris Maddox
Renasant Bank

Wayne Bartlett
Progressive Realty LLC

Jim Argo
Kiwanis Club

Lee Bane
Barrow County Schools

Denise Greeson
Renasant Bank

Shenley Rountree
Barrow County Schools


Honor Roll of Investors

We’d like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their generous support and investment in this project.

Brad & Vanessa Akins
Akins Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM
Lee Bane
Bank OZK
David and Lori Bleth
Brantley Family Foundation
Vince & Leigh Caine
Joe Crump
Jackson EMC
Kendall Dutton
Philip & Shellie Gossling
Ken & Susan Greene
Harrison Poultry, Inc.
Hill’s Ace Hardware Building Supply
Thomas Jennings
Dev. Authority of Winder-Barrow County
Michael Jones
Kiwanis Club of Winder
Kenny & Carol Lumpkin
Chris & Paige Maddox
Keith & Lisa Maloof
Tricia & Jon Massey
Magbee Contractors Supply
Maynard Realty
Ben & Kelli McDaniel
Chris & Beth McMichael
Doug & Shauna Mitchell
Mitchell & Crunk Law Firm
Morgan Financial Service
Northeast Georgia Health System
Spring Mountain Center
Joe Perno
Lewis & Ellen Petree
Danny Rampey
Bill & Gloria Ritter
Rotary Club of Winder
Shenley Rountree
Sheats Structural Consulting
Julia Simpson
Steffanie Rivas Sorrells
Lynn Stevens
Jimmy & Ellen Terrell
The Georgia Club Foundation
Rod Trahan
VanKirk Electric, Inc
Duane & Christy Ware
Byron & Shawn Williams
Winder Insurance Center

We need your help! This project is being funded by private donations from local businesses and citizens just like you. Leave a legacy and donate to this exciting project. Naming opportunities are available as well. Please contact Glenn VerSteeg at (770) 846-3968 or donate now using our donation page: donate today

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