Helping Hands works to spruce up Ceylon park
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CEYLON -- Helping Hands of Ceylon is taking the beautification of Ceylon's Mondale Park into their own hands.
"It's so amazing," said Helping Hands of Ceylon Member Chris Griffin. "I'm so happy that Helping Hands of Ceylon is able to take this project on."
The park, which has been in Ceylon for approximately 50 years and named after Ceylon-born 42nd United States Vice President Walter F. Mondale, has been deteriorating.
Helping Hands of Ceylon acknowledged that the condition of the park equipment could affect the overall experience for visitors, so they took the initiative to work on it.
"There was just no color; it was just a dull-looking park. The items that are at the park are very, very outdated. So, we were wondering what we could do to be able to spiff it up a little bit, make it more bright," Griffin recalled.
Helping Hands of Ceylon and some volunteers got to work on it about two weeks ago, after obtaining permission from the Ceylon City Council.
Thanks to a grant by the Martin County Area Foundation (which also provided a grant for Helping Hands of Ceylon to refurbish the park's shelter house), Federated Rural Electric in Jackson, sponsors and donations from the community, the group is bringing brand new coats of paint, blue and yellow color palettes, swing replacements, brackets, chains, seating, tetherball and sand which will be provided by Beemers.
With park improvements underway, Helping Hands of Ceylon shared that safety at the park is a big priority.
"Safety is number one," Griffin concurred. "We want to make sure that the children can go to the park and they can play and the equipment is safe for the kids to play on."
Griffin and Helping Hands of Ceylon member Barb Kronback recounted that the Ceylon community has expressed gratitude for the group following completion of other projects and events, and therefore anticipate a positive reaction once park refurbishing is complete.
"They were so pleased with what we did with the shelterhouse, and I'm sure we'll get the same feedback as we go ahead and move forward on this," Griffin added.
Overall, Helping Hands of Ceylon’s goal is to see the community use the park and bring people from other communities to Ceylon, even to visit the park.
"We want to make it a nice park for families, and for our community. I think when they see new equipment and new things to do at our city park, it will keep them very busy and very active at our park," Griffin said.
"I'm even thinking of drawing people to town. Like, 'hey, let's go check out the park,'" Kronback added.
Park restoration is projected to be complete in spring 2027, with plans for more additions later down the line, such as a jungle gym, teeter-totter, spring rocker and more features within the next two to three years.
"I'm excited about it. We're doing something good for the community and we're making it something worthwhile for families in Ceylon and the surrounding areas," Kronback said.
As work on the park continues, Helping Hands of Ceylon looks ahead to its upcoming Trunk or Treat event from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, on Main Street in Ceylon, which includes trick-or-treating from vehicle trunks, food and beverages, a photo booth, face painting, prizes for decorated vehicles and more ahead of Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31.
For additional information about Helping Hands of Ceylon, its future plans and events, and to get involved and share ideas, e-mail helpinghandsofceylon10@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page, "Helping Hands of Ceylon."