Harford Property Services (HPS) is pleased to announce the Edgewood Lions Club has pledged $17,000 to the Woodbridge Center Homeowners Association to build a new playground. The existing playground on the corner of Clover Valley Way and Woodbridge Center Way was recently demolished by the Association because it had become unsafe for children to play. The community association of 1,074 homes switched management companies to HPS in June 2016 and requested HPS help solve the dilemma of the playgrounds dangerous condition and other community concerns.
J.D. Russell, President of HPS, discussed with Michael Querns, President of the homeowner’s association, sources of funds to replace the playground because funds were not available in the associations current budget, or any foreseeable future budget. Querns and Russell concluded that seeking help from alternative sources, such as public service organizations, was the best way for the association to raise funds to replace the playground after demolition.
Russell, who is a member of the Aberdeen Lions Club, began reaching out to various organizations for assistance. During the fundraising effort, Russell spoke with the Lions Club District Governor Chuck Egender, Past District Governor Douglas A. Patterson, and other members of the Edgewood Lions Club who ultimately committed to a $17,000 donation for the project.
Russell stated, “The Board of Directors and I did not want the children to go without a playground in walking distance from their home. This is the first donation of its kind from a nonprofit service organization to build a playground in a privately-owned homeowners association in Harford County that I am aware of. The entire community is grateful for the generosity of the Edgewood Lions.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for April 23rd. The community association is going to name the playground the Edgewood Lions Memorial Playground to honor the Lions Club’s generous donation. The total project is estimated to cost $20,000. Additional donations are being accepted for the fundraising effort through the Edgewood Development Corporation (EDC), a non-profit organization. Contributions made through the EDC are tax deductible and may be made online, https://www.gofundme.com/woodbridge.
