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Roseland Legacy Campaign
moves toward goal
About 150 years ago, Henry Chandler Bowen, with help from the community, built a park around Roseland Lake. It was dedicated July 4, 1876, with President Ulysses S. Grant, the first of four U.S. presidents to come to Roseland Park, in attendance.
Over the years the park and the adjoining golf course, which opened in 1896, provided hours of recreation and outdoor exercise to a wide surrounding area. But over the years, time and ‘Mother Nature’ have taken a toll on the facilities and grounds.
The Board of Trustees, with the goal of restoring the park and golf course to its past grandeur, began “150 Years and Beyond,” its Legacy Campaign. Launched in October 2023, the Legacy Campaign goal is $500,000 or more in its initial phase, and thus far — thanks to the generosity of the community — more than 80 percent of the goal has been realized.
“We have a true trifecta of beauty in the lake, the park and the golf course. We are fortunate to enjoy these facilities. Most communities would love to have what the people of our area have enjoyed for the past 150 years,” said John Rauh, chairman of the Roseland Park and Golf Course Legacy Campaign.
Rauh said the original financial projections indicated the need for $2 to $3 million to satisfactorily bring the park and golf course to its original state. Park architect and former Woodstock resident Wilson Martin has drawn up plans for paving and redesign of the current roadways.
A new main entrance is planned, which will offer immediate views of the lake and the beauty of the park. Updates to the barn and boathouse, including indoor facilities are in the plans. Construction of an equipment storage facility, which will extend the life of park and golf course maintenance machinery, is also in the plans. In addition, playground improvements include new equipment and restoration of grassy areas for the safety of youngsters.
Rauh said improvements may start in late spring or early summer.
“The plan is to work closely with the Woodstock Little League which has been located on the grounds of the park for 65 years. Along with the baseball fields, improvements to the golf course to benefit the more than 9,000 rounds played there during the summer months have already been initiated,” said Rauh.
Rauh, along with Vice Chairman Dr. Jonathan Gradie and Honorary Chairman Paul Kelly, have worked closely with the leadership team of Trustee President Martha Beckwith, Patrick O’Brien, Jeff Bond, Anthony Listro, Lynn Converse, Pam Brown and Board Historian Marc Cotnoir.
The Legacy Campaign is designed to allow donors three years to fulfill pledges or their intent to participate, giving individuals, corporations, organizations and financial institutions an opportunity to make significant gifts. Recognition opportunities honoring donors or memorializing loved ones are part of the pledge process, according to Rauh.
“This is a major undertaking by the Board and the first time we’ve ever embarked on such a venture. If we are to maintain the beauty and utility of this land and operate it as a private location, the support of the community is vitally necessary,” he added.
Youngsters from around the region and as far away as Griswold enjoyed the “Kids Golf Camp” during last season. The camp and other educational programs are being planned for the upcoming season at the golf course and at Roseland Park. These programs are available in part because of the effort of The Legacy Campaign, aimed at raising $500,000 in Phase I.
Work has begun on improvements to the Roseland Park and Golf Course as part of The Legacy Campaign. Trees are selectively being removed along overgrown fairways, which will improve golfing conditions and allow for much needed sunlight to the course.
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