As a part of the continued series reviewing the Rush County Community Foundation’s “designated endowment” funds, we’ll be taking a weekly look at the Rush County nonprofit organizations that have funds that support their mission and work held at RCCF.  This week’s installment focuses on an entire division of our community, not just an organization:  the City of Rushville Parks Department.

Spring has sprung, leading Rush County residents outdoors after a long winter inside.  With spring’s warmer temperatures, sunshine, and greening landscape a heightened sense of joy fills the air.  As you drive through town with your windows down and walk down the streets, it’s hard to miss the sound of children’s laughter and the sights of people out enjoying the long overdue fresh air and playtime spring provides.

The City of Rushville Parks Department provides a beautiful landscape for kids of all ages.  Play equipment, a garden, live concerts, basketball courts, and walking paths fill our community’s park system.  No matter your age, you can find an outlet that encourages fresh air and fun, healthy activity within one of the City’s parks.

The City of Rushville Parks Department, lead for many years by Nick Singleton, still continues to benefit from his legacy.  The Singleton family established the Nick Singleton Memorial Fund to memorialize a life well-lived by giving back to his passion.  The Nick Singleton Memorial Fund is a designated endowment fund that benefits the City of Rushville Parks.  Because it is a permanent endowment fund, the Parks Department will receive an annual disbursement forever, supporting generations of playtime and improvements for our community.

Playing a vital role in our community’s access to parks and recreation is the Rush County Community Foundation.  In addition to the Nick Singleton Memorial Fund, the Foundation has awarded $77,000 to the City of Rushville Parks Department, and over $31,000 to enhance parks and recreation via equipment and improvements.  Playtime throughout all of Rush County has been made $100,000+ better because of the generosity of our donors and our Foundation’s ability to provide funding support.

Without the Rush County Community Foundation, our community would look vastly different.  The next time you’re enjoying the newly-paved walking path throughout Veteran’s Park, the outdoor movie theater and concerts at Riverside Park, playground equipment throughout the county’s parks, resurfaced basketball goals in Veteran’s Park, or any youth sports game, look around and see the happiness that abounds.  Give back, continue that happiness:  consider a donation to the Rush County Community Foundation.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Rush County Community Foundation’s designated endowment funds or any of our other more than 175 funds, stop by our office at 117 N. Main Street in Rushville, call us at (765) 938-1177, or check out our website www.rushcountyfoundation.org.  If you’d like to donate specifically to a fund that supports our parks, consider a donation to Nick Singleton Memorial Fund.  To make a donation, contact us or visit our website.