FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT WISHING WELL PARK
What is the history of Wishing Well Park?
More than 20 years ago, a group of local parents approached the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer about the possibility of building a community playground on a parcel of vacant land adjacent to the Church. Redeemer generously agreed, and in 2002, Project Swing (“Salisbury’s Wish Into the Next Generation”) was formed as a 501(c)(3) organization for the express purpose of raising funds to build a community playground. Drawing from the community's support, including both individuals and area businesses, volunteers for Project SWING raised funds to build the playground we still use today. In 2006 the playground was completed, made possible due to the generous support of Redeemer as well as the persistent efforts of local parents who helped take Wishing Well Park from dream to reality. This was truly a community endeavor and a labor of love. Since then, Wishing Well Park has been open for the entire community to enjoy.
From its inception, Wishing Well Park has been maintained entirely by the efforts and hard work of community volunteers, as well as donations - monetary and in-kind - made to Project Swing. At the end of 2019, with the playground becoming outdated and suffering from chronic drainage issues, several neighborhood parents and members of Redeemer organized a second large-scale fundraising effort through Project Swing, with the ultimate goal of entirely refurbishing Wishing Well Playground.
What is Project Swing?
Project Swing, or “Salisbury’s Wish Into the Next Generation”, was founded in 2002, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to enable fundraising in support of Wishing Well Park. Because Project SWING is organized as a supporting organization of Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, which provides Wishing Well Park as a gift to our community, all donations are tax deductible. Project SWING’s mission is to foster community and play; and ultimately, to build and maintain a community park and play space that is both inclusive and accessible to community members of all abilities.
PROJECT VISIOn
What is THE PARK’s vision for the revitalization of Wishing Well Park?
We are designing a beautiful, accessible gathering spot that serves a broader age range and is inclusive for children of all abilities. To see renderings of the planned space, visit our Vision page, here.
Why is a park revitalization considered NECESSARY?
Fifteen (15) years is the average lifespan of a commercial playground. The initial Phase I renovations replaced aging play equipment and revitalized the entire Park, to make the space new and more modern. Our Phase II goal is to make Wishing Well Park an inclusive play option for children with disabilities; to create a space inviting for a wider age range of children, where neighbors of all ages can gather; and to further increase aesthetic appeal by replacing all of the playground equipment and adding park-like elements, including updated hardscaping and plantings.
For years, Wishing Well Park had major issues with drainage and puddling for days after rainstorms. Phase I improvments included the installation of a french drain under the surface of the park for drainage mitigation. The plan was designed pro bono by a local civil engineer whose children used to use the playground, and the work was done at cost by a generous local contractor. This behind-the-scenes work was critical to ensure a dry and safe park, and set the stage for accessible surfacing that was also added as part of Phase I.
HOW WAS THE NEW PARK DESIGN DEVELOPED?
This initiative has been 100% community-driven. Since this project’s inception, Project SWING has been actively listening and seeking community feedback. An initial community survey was circulated in early 2020, and another survey was circulated in April 2022 following the slow-down during 2020 and 2021, resulting from COVID. A community steering committee made up of local residents from surrounding neighborhoods convened for the first time in April 2022 and provided continued feedback throughout the design process. Since that time, an active Project SWING volunteer board has kept the project progressing, with continued feedback frmo the community. Key to the design were the ideas of incorporating natural elements and inclusive play, and expanding the park’s relevance to a wider age range of children.
Project SWING and community volunteers worked with a licensed landscape architect and playground designer to create a design that would adhere to the park’s vision and encompass play elements identified as priorities by the community at large.
What new elements WILL BE incorporateD?
Based on community feedback, the design for the revitalized park will include play elements for children of all ages and abilities. The design emphasizes natural elements and creative and inclusive play; and incorporates equipment that will foster play for a wide range of ages, thus expanding the appeal of the park. The design includes accessible elements that children will all abilities can enjoy together.
The project is being completed in two phases. Phase I focused on site work including drainage and accessible pathways and the introduction of new inclusive play elements. Phase I play equipment added included: a universal spinner; wooden stage for creative play; custom mud kitchen; stone labyrinth with large boulders for jumping and climbing; outdoor music instruments; and several play houses, including a ship and a small slide, for young children ages 2-5 years old, as well as new community spaces and a shade structure for covered seating.
Phase II will include additional play elements for older children, ages 6-12, including a large rope climbing structure with a slide and a new accessible swing, as well as landscaping and plantings to create more of a park-life feel. .
How long will these efforts take?
Given our fundraising progress (outlined below), we chose to implement a phased approach, to allow the community to enjoy a new playground sooner, rather than later. With this in mind, Phase I was completed and the playground reopened for play in April 2025. Phase II fundraising will begin in 2026 and is expected to take 2 years. The playground will remain largely open throughout Phase II.
How can I find out more information?
We strive to be as transparent as possible throughout this process. We are regularly updating the community via Facebook (Wishing Well Park) and Instagram (@WishingWellPark) as well as on our website: www.WishingWellPark.com. We also welcome questions to WishingWellPark@gmail.com. We promise updates as we have them.
FINANCIALS & FUNDRAISING
What will this cost?
The total cost of the Wishing Well Park Revitalization will be $450,000 and will be divided into two Phases and 100% funded through financial contributions to Project SWING by members of our community.
Phase I raised $250,000
In-kind donations have also helped Project SWING to cut costs where feasible. The new park stage, for example, was completed by a local Boy Scout as part of an Eagle Project, and the exterior path was paid for by a Boy Scout as part of his merit badge requirement. We strive to involve the community as part of this process, and our goal is to be as financially responsible as possible while still achieving as much as we can toward the community’s broader vision. (Again, the cost for the initial build was $150k more than 15 years ago.)
What are your fundraising plans?
We have a fundraising strategy in place designed to call on past donors, capital donors (large corporations), local businesses, and individuals within the community. Fundraising events, including community events, a fundraising Gala and an upcoming Party in the Park, as well as year-end giving appeals to members of the community, and fundraising and in-kind support through community partners contribute to our fundraising.
Park Patron (leadership giving), sponsor and donor opportunities are available at all levels to allow local residents, businesses and organizations to personalize their support for Wishing Well Park. All Park supporters will receive brand visibility and recognition at Park events, on Park signage, and through other opportunities for in-Park recognition, as well as online. Visit www.wishingwellpark.com/give). If you have any other ideas, we want to hear them: WishingWellPark@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @wishingwellpark for updates regarding fundraising efforts and events.
Where / how can I donate?
Donations can be made via Credit Card or PayPal on the Wishing Well Park website at www.wishingwellpark.com/give, via check to Project Swing: PO Box 2617, Midlothian, VA 23113-9998, or through online or Donor Advised Fund (DAF) donations.
Is my donation tax deductible?
YES! Project SWING is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax deductible.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT FUNDRAISING PROGRESS?
Thanks to the support of our incredible community, despite the initial disruptions resulting from COVID-19, we have made steady fundraising progress. Between November 2021 and April 2022, we raised over $90,000. As of April 2024, we have reached over $265,000 (net) in funds raised, including a grant to help fund accessible pathways. These funds were used to implement Phase I of the project, with a reserve for future maintenance. In order to implement our entire project vision, we will need to raise an additional $150,000 -$200,000 to complete Phase II, which will include a wheelchair swing with safety surfacing as well as a custom rope climbing structure with accessible elements at the base and a slide, in addition to reserves to endow the Park’s future. We are excited to continue making progress toward the beautiful, safe and accessible space that we envision!
I donated to the initial build of the park BACK in 2006. What will you do with my plaque, tile, or brick?
All legacy donors will be commemorated in some way in the future playground design. From the bricks to the tiles, everything currently on the playground will be reused but may shift in terms of placement. Those with names on equipment, plaques and signage will also be commemorated in a legacy donor area (to be designed.) Sponsorships of equipment/benches will need to be renewed at current cost structure.
How is Salisbury HOMEOWNERS Association (SHOA) involved?
The Salisbury Homeowners Association is a major supporter of Project Swing and the Wishing Well Park Revitalization project, as a Swing Champion ($50,000) sponsor and provides ongoing support to Wishing Well Park annually to help cover park maintenance costs. A Project SWING liaison has a permanent position on the SHOA Board,
HOW IS REDEEMER EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SCHOOL INVOLVED?
Wishing Well Park is possible only through the generosity and continued support of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. The land for Wishing Well Park is generously provided by the church and the church carries insurance for the playground and provides other support. Project Swing is a supporting organization and Wishing Well Park is a mission of the church, for the benefit of the community. However, Project SWING carries its own nonprofit status and all donations to the park are independent of the church.