It's starting!!

The excitement is building and construction is starting on the much awaited Viaduct Park.

People gathered on Wednesday August 14 at the sight of the new park to ceremoniously break group and celebrate the park becoming a reality.

The Faribault Foundation was on hand to honor the first donations made to the park.

These kiddos are having fun imitating the adults who had just had the official ground breaking! This park will be a wonderful place for kids of all ages, with gathering places, a splash pad, event space, and an ice skating feature in the plans.

City officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday August 14 at the sight of the new park to celebrate the park becoming a reality.

The Faribault Foundation was on hand to honor the first donations made to the park.

Pictured above: The official with hard hats and gold shovels celebrating the start of the construction of the long awaited Viaduct Park.

Laura Bock, Faribault Foundation Executive Director making her comments about the role of the Foundation to encourage sponsorships and donations to the park.

Members of the Faribault Foundation Board of Directors and investment committee: Todd Markman, Brent Peroutka, Laura Bock, Christine Shaffer-Brown, Pat Gustafson, Chad Wolff.

Laura announced the first donors to the Viaduct Park Project:

FIRST DONORS:

Crooked Pint - Faribault – Mark Lancaster, owner, and Manager Angie Goren committed to sponsoring the Fire Pit and Benches They were the first to enthusiastically step up to contribute to the park.  They know their restaurant guests will enjoy fire pit and benches and are excited to help bring this special park with all it’s features to the downtown area.

Jennie-O Turkey Store– Managers Jody Long and Mustafa Abdille and crew presented a check for $50,000.00 to sponsor the concessions and skate rental area within the new event center building.  Jody shared the gift was on behalf of the 800 current inspired team members at the Jennie-O Faribault location.   Jody said, “Faribault is where we live and work, and this new water park will be a fantastic space for families and community members to come together and enjoy year-round. It was our pleasure to have Jennie-O donate $50,000 to help bring this to life and we all look forward to bringing our loved ones here to have a great time.”

Dr. Richard and Nancie Huston are well known local philanthropists.  They have claimed one of the lovely shade tables to happily become part of this great effort and beautiful park.

RJR Faribo Insurance Agency (formerly Faribo Insurance)  - Mark Lancaster –Sponsoring the Patio surrounding the splash pad.  This lovely gathering area will be enjoyed year-round and especially in the warm weather months when families enjoy the nearby splash pad.

Rice County Deputy Sheriff's Association has already made a gift and will be named on a donor wall.

The Faribault Foundation is leading the community effort to support the park with unique marketing opportunities for local companies and impactful ways to honor and recognize families and individuals in our community.   Contact Laura Bock for more information.  Click here   to read more about the park and sponsorship opportunities.