Group perseveres for park kitchen
After being turned down for one grant, two women from Elora have persevered with their project to have wood ovens for baking in Bissell Park here.
Staci Baron and Dr. Trish Van Katwyk came to the committee of the whole meeting of council on Monday to share their progress and to obtain a use of grounds agreement between Kitchen in the Park and the township.
Their plan projects $26,667 for its first phase. In the second phase, it shows a one time cost for water services at $30,000, and $10,000 for hydro. The second phase has a framed roof support and building materials.
The second phase total cost is estimated at $66,281. They had hoped for a grant from the Waterloo Wellington Futures Development Corporation, but that did not come through.
Baron told the committee they have been busy fundraising. Selling refrigerator magnets and soliciting donations has raised $8,200 to date. They now have a web site and a Facebook page and are planning to attend various trade shows to promote their plan to sell freshly baked goods at the park. The business would be not-for-profit and be operated by volunteers.
Among the donors to the project to date are the Elora Lions Club, which is heavily involved in Bissell Park, which gave $5,000, and Elora lawyer John Morris, who donated $500. Baron said she is hoping to obtain $10,000 in value from Rona Elora for lumber for a kiosk, and a kitchen store is providing discounts. There are also plans for an artist to do a concert to launch a CD.
Recreation Director Andy Goldie told council that the group is seeking a conditional 5 year lease to use the park grounds for selling baked goods.
Council approved the preparation of the use of grounds agreement.
