The United Way of the Flint Hills put out the call to action and the Emporia community, as expected, rose to the task.
It was announced Wednesday morning that the United Way was one of the top three vote-getters in the Evergy Energize Our Environment Hometown Grant awards competition. The competition included 10 non-profit organizations with residents able to vote via Facebook for the organizations and causes they felt should receive a $10,000 grant between May 21 and this past Friday.
Wednesday afternoon, KVOE News spoke with United Way Director Daphne Mertens, who stated she could not be prouder of the community for rising to the challenge.
Mertens also praised Evergy for developing the program and for being a longtime supporter of the United Way.
She also offered praise to the other finalists and their respective projects, saying they are all worthy causes and the United Way is looking forward to seeing them come to fruition.
The incoming grant dollars are set to be put towards the installation of a new climbing wall in Quaker Park. This is a significant addition to the park, which was the focus of many headlines just a year ago. If you recall, in early 2024, the Emporia City Commission was considering transferring the park to the Emporia Land Bank, which had plans to develop three homes on the property.
Following a protest period that saw a petition gain nearly 500 signatures, the city chose to abandon those plans. Mertens says the erection of the climbing wall would be a great step in the right direction for revitalizing the space “our community fought hard to save.”
Mertens adds that while Quaker may be smaller than most city parks, the new climbing wall will be a unique addition that will set it apart.
A timeline for the installation of the climbing wall has not been announced.
