VERSAILLES — The Heritage Park Board in Versailles is announcing planned improvements to the park. Heritage Park is owned by Poultry Days, Inc. and operations are funded with festival proceeds. The park is actively managed by a separate Heritage Park Board made up of eleven volunteers. While privately owned the park is open to the public with minimal to no charge.

Over the past 10 years the Heritage Park Board has successfully managed several investments in the park. These include replacing the walking track, a playground, electrical improvements to support the annual MusicFest and the construction of the amphitheater. Curbs and sidewalks were also installed as part of the development of Klipstine Road. These improvements have been substantially funded with festival proceeds, grants, donated labor and materials, and limited fundraising. Community groups have also added a Gaga court, Frisbee Golf, improvements to the baseball fields, and improvements for Movie Night.

With community input the Heritage Park Board is planning the next phase of improvements. The Heritage Park and Poultry Days boards are asking for your support to fund this project. The total cost of the proposed improvements is $500,000 towards which Poultry Days has made a commitment. The Heritage Park board has begun raising funds and pursuing state and local grants. Additional commitments have been received for donated labor and materials. While these commitments are substantial, a sizeable funding gap remains.

The first priority is construction of restrooms near the amphitheater. As use of the amphitheater has grown the need for closer restrooms has become evident. The addition would also benefit larger events held at the 40-acre park such as MusicFest.

The second addition is lighting. Adding lighting around the park, including lighting walkways to parking lots is needed to improve safety.

The third addition is a larger playground. The playground will replace the older playground and provide additional children’s activities for different age ranges.

The initial feedback has been extremely positive. If you are interested in supporting these projects or learning more, email HeritageParkVersailles@gmail or contact: Tony Rose 937-638-3132, HB Hole 937-417-5945 or Brian Griesdorn 937-417-3227. Donations may be made payable to Heritage Park and mailed to PO Box 108, Versailles, OH 45380. The Heritage Park board is also considering additional improvements and would welcome your support and input. Please donate today!

Heritage Park was established in 1985 by Poultry Days with a second phase added shortly thereafter. The Heritage Park Board was established to actively manage the park and oversee maintenance and improvement. While open to the public, the park is privately owned and does not receive government funding. Operations are funded from Poultry Days festival proceeds and substantial volunteer labor from the Heritage Park Board.